Macauley Tait has described St Johnstone as a “positive place to be” after signing a two-year deal with the Perth club following his departure from Heart of Midlothian.

The 20-year-old, who spent the last two seasons on loan at Livingston, is now committed to the Saints until the summer of 2028. Tait believes this move is the ideal next step in his career, a decision solidified after consulting with former St Johnstone players Josh McPake and Adam Forrester.

“I’m really excited to get started and to meet all of the boys properly. How much the club and the gaffer wanted me was a great start to all of this.

“I watched the team play a lot of the Friday night games last season and know a couple of players – Josh McPake and Adam Forrester – who have been here in the past. They spoke so highly of the place.

“I felt it was the right place to continue my journey. The club has momentum coming into the top-flight, and it seems a really positive place to be. The boys play good football and I’ll just be looking to come in and add to that.”

Tait spent much of his early years in the Hearts academy, even featuring on the European stage for The Jambos

He added: “I have been at Hearts for a while and came through the academy, playing 16 times for the first team. That was nice for myself and my family.

“I took the step on loan to Livingston for the past 18 months and I can’t thank them enough for progressing my career. Now I’m looking to make a real impact at Saints.

“I’ll be hard-working and run for this team as much as I can. Hopefully I can bring quality on the ball and give the attacking players the service to do their stuff. I’m happy to do the dirty work.”

Tait becomes Simo Valakari’s 8th signing, and will wear number 25.