St Johnstone complete signing of Sligo Rovers defender John Mahon

Sligo Rovers defender John Mahon has joined St Johnstone on a permanent deal, signing a contract until the summer of 2024.

The 22-year-old defender makes the move after the clubs agreed on an undisclosed fee and he will join his new teammates on Monday.

Mahon will widen manager Callum Davidson’s options as he looks to arrest a run of form that has seen the side lose nine consecutive league games to fall to the foot of the Premiership table.

The pressure on Davidson increased on Saturday when the holders were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by League 2 side Kelty Hearts.

Mahon said he is ready for a new challenge and believes that the team can fight their way to safety and turn around what has been a miserable season so far.

“I met with the manager this morning,” he said. “We had a good conversation and I can’t wait to get started tomorrow.

“I know that the team won the two domestic Cups last season and I watched the games. The lads were brilliant.

“I know the current circumstances are different and we need to start winning games in the Premiership.

“We have a battle on our hands and I’m up for the fight. This is the kind of battle I relish.

“When I was at Sligo we had to face some tough times and we managed to turn the corner. So, I know what’s required. We can do the same at St Johnstone.”

St Johnstone are currently in discussions with St Mirren about a January move for Cammy MacPherson after the player signed a pre-contract agreement with the Perth side.

The club have also seen two bids for Livingston’s Alan Forrest rejected.

Daniel Cleary, Tony Gallagher and Nadir Ciftci have already joined the club this month.