St Mirren sign goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe on loan from Brentford

St Mirren have announced the signing of goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe on loan from Brentford for next season.

The 24-year-old moves to Paisley from the English Premier League side to become the Buddies’ second signing of the summer following the capture of Shaun Rooney.

Balcombe has made one appearance for Brentford, saving two penalties as he helped his side win a penalty shoot-out in the EFL Cup, and he has had loan spells in England and Denmark in recent years as well as playing for England at Under 18, under-19 and Under-20 levels.

He will now look to help his new side build on last season’s fifth-place finish in the Premiership, as well as the club’s return to European football after a 37-year absence.

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson was delighted to land his first choice to replace Zach Hemming, who has returned to Middlesbrough after a successful loan spell.

“Ellery is someone I’ve really liked, “Robinson said. “I’ve watched him for a while.

“His distribution is very good, he’s commanding in his box and I believe he’s someone that will enhance our already good record of goalkeepers.

“We were keen to keep Zach [Hemming] but we spoke to Middlesborough and he’s their player so we have to respect that. He’ll go back for pre-season and fight for a number two jersey there, but we already knew that would come.

“Ellery was somebody that we had been speaking to and keeping close watch on. He was our first choice to join and we’re delighted to have that over the line. It gives us a real base and our squad is taking shape nicely now.”