St Johnstone sign defender Jack Sanders from Kilmarnock

St Johnstone have confirmed the signing of Jack Sanders from Kilmarnock.

The 25-year-old defender has put pen to paper on a two-year-deal at McDiarmid Park.

Sanders moved to Scotland to join Killie from Wigan in 2021 but has spent most of his time there out on loan including spells at Cove Rangers and most recently Ayr United.

He played for the Somerset Park club in the second half of last season making 17 appearances in the Scottish Championship.

On Thursday St Johnstone confirmed that he will return to the Premiership for next season to join Craig Levein’s side.

When the signing was confirmed Sanders said he was delighted to make the move.

He said: “I’m really happy to be here and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“The club has been in the Premiership for 16 seasons in a row. It is a club with good stability and somewhere I feel I can really kick on with my career and showcase what I can do.

“I’m hoping I can kick-start my career with a club like St Johnstone and really perform well.

“I know the boys were back in on Monday and I wasn’t wanting to miss any days, but I’ve been looking after myself in my own time so I feel fit and raring to go.

“I had a good end to the season last year at Ayr in the Championship and felt I performed at a good level. It is a tougher division now but I know I have the skillset to do well.”

Manager Levein said: “We’re really pleased to get Jack on board for the upcoming season. He will provide us with a physical presence at the back but he is also comfortable with the ball at his feet.

“We’ve had a lot of discussions with Jack and it is clear how determined he is to kick on with his career and prove himself at this level.”