Tommy Wright believes Liam Craig’s goal touch will prove vital this season.
After losing talisman Stevie May to Sheffield Wednesday, St Johnstone were short of firepower last term despite claiming a fourth successive European place.
The Perth side usually rely on midfielders to weigh in.
And with Craig back on board, Wright said: “Injuries forced our hand in terms of bringing another midfielder in but it was a no-brainer for me.
“Liam scored 41 goals in 204 matches when he was here before.
“Goals from midfield are what we have missed since he left two years ago.
“He has done extremely well here before and hopefully he will supply us with a goal threat again.
“Liam brings quality to set plays and has always nicked goals and that is important for a team like us.
“Last year we didn’t get enough goals from that part of the team.
“Liam will be a big influence on and off the park.
“He will come back here better for the experience at Hibs. And from my point of view it was an easy decision because I know him so well.
“It’s fair to say we weren’t budgeting for a more central midfielder to come in but with the injuries we have suffered we had to do something.
“And budget wise we have farmed out a few younger players on loan.
“There’s still six or seven weeks before the transfer window shuts so I am hopeful we will still have some room for manoeuvre.
“There is plenty time to assess things and see we how we start the season.”