KEITH WATSON has secured his widely-anticipated move from St Mirren to St Johnstone on a pre-contract. The defender will sign a two-year deal at McDiarmid Park when his contract with the Paisley club expires at the end of the month. The former Dundee United defender, who also had a brief loan spell at Hibs, made 29 appearances for St Mirren in the Championship, scoring five goals.

He was named Player of the Year in a poll voted on by St Mirren fans. Tommy Wright, the St Johnstone manager, had confirmed last month that the 26 year-old was on his radar. “We have informed St Mirren that we’re speaking to Keith Watson,” he said.

A St Johnstone statement this morning confirmed the deal had been struck. "Saints are delighted to announce that defender Keith Watson has a signed a pre-contract with the club. The 26 year old former Dundee United player has spent this season with St Mirren and has penned a two-year deal at McDiarmid Park.”