GARY HARKINS has revealed that his decision to sign for St Mirren was made for him after boss Danny Lennon outlined his vision of the beautiful game.

The new Saint will join up with his new team-mates in six days' time and admits the prospect of playing alongside the likes of Paul McGowan, Gary Teale, Stevie Thompson and Kenny McLean was also a huge lure to Greenhill Road.

The former Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock and Dundee star has kept himself in shape after agreeing a two-year deal. He has no doubt he has made the right move as he bids to play a key part in spearheading Saints' assault on the top six next term.

Harkins said: "After I spoke with the manager it did not take much to persuade me to sign for St Mirren. Danny Lennon has always had the club play football the way I like it played and I know where he wants to take St Mirren and how he wants us to get there – that is an exciting prospect.

"Obviously, I have had plenty of experience of playing against St Mirren with Dundee and Kilmarnock and they have so many good footballers in their side. That was another enticing prospect in that coming to the club I'l get to play with them.

"But I am just delighted to be looking forward to starting my pre-season with St Mirren. Already I can see it will be a busy one with the training camp in Spain and the friendlies that have been lined up, starting with Charlton when we are over there.

"It is clear St Mirren is just a really well-run club and I am delighted to be playing my football for them over the next couple of years or so."

Harkins has no doubt that Saints have the quality of player to make a sustained impact on the upper reaches of the SPFL top flight next term.

The 28-year-old said: "You look at a young guy like Kenny McLean and he is just a fantastic footballing talent. Then you have guys like Gary Teale and Stevie Thompson at the other end of the scale, with all their experience and the fact they have played with Scotland – they are clearly loving playing for St Mirren.

"I also think the fact the club have managed to hold on to Paul McGowan for another year has been a great piece of business. I am particularly looking forward to playing alongside him.

"But I think when you start rhyming off all these names and you see the quality of footballer at St Mirren then there should be no reason we can't challenge for the top six next term."