St Johnstone have tied up their prized asset Murray Davidson on a three-year deal and brought in another young midfielder looking to emulate his McDiarmid Park success.
Kilmarnock’s Jamie Adams has made the switch to Perth in the hope of proving his worth in the SPL.
As a determined and ambitious central midfielder, he does not have far to look for a successful example to follow.
The 22-year-old said, “Murray came through the same youth stages as me and I’ve played against him once. He’s done really well at St Johnstone, and hopefully I can too.
“I was at Kilmarnock for six years and it just hasn’t really happened for me, even after I did well on loan at Queen of the South.
“It’s great to get this opportunity and I see it as a real challenge.
The bright lights and big money of England will surely beckon for Davidson one day, but the former Livingston man is in no rush to leave Saints, where he believes he has unfinished business.
He said, “The reason I came here was because this club was where I felt I could develop best. I felt it was the right career move then and I still feel this is the best place for me.
“People have said I should go to England, but I believe this is the place to be to continue learning and developing-that’s why I’ve signed a new deal here.
Boss Derek McInnes is “delighted” to have secured Davidson’s services for another three seasons.
“I always thought Murray had the attributes to succeed in the SPL and for a first season he’s done fantastically so far,” he said.
“It sends out a really positive message to our supporters that we’ve managed to keep him here for another three years.”
“I want to fill this place with young, hungry players.
That leads on to Jamie’s situation. From playing against him I know he’s a physical, versatile player. He can play in central midfield or central defence and also has all the attributes to do well in the SPL.
“This move will give him a platform to continue his development. Hopefully he will thrive here. Jamie will provide us with another option and up the competition for places.”
Meanwhile, it is looking increasingly likely that Kenny Deuchar will be moving on.
Saints are keen to hold on to the striker but commitments in his other life as a doctor are leading him down the road of part-time football.
McInnes said, “Kenny is focused on his medical career. We were hoping that this wouldn’t happen until later in his football career. If he does go, which looks very likely, unfortunately we will have to respect that decision.”