Craig Beattie, the former Celtic and Hearts striker who had been training with Rangers, has signed a one- year deal with St Johnstone, subject to a medical over the weekend.
Steve Lomas, the manager of the Perth club, said he was delighted to land a player who had been a target six months ago. "We tried to get Craig when he came back to Scotland last season but Hearts were in a position to pay more at that time," Lomas said. "We knew Rangers were interested over the summer but wanted to make sure we were in the race.
"This will give him a platform to make an impression and he gives us a nice blend up front. We know his qualities. In fact, I even played against him for QPR when he was at West Brom."
Beattie, 28, denied his wage demands were responsible for a proposed move to Rangers falling through. The Scotland international claimed Charles Green, the chief executive, did not share Ally McCoist's enthusiasm for signing him.
Beattie said: "There seems to be a perception the deal fell through because I was holding out for more money, and that could not be further from the truth.
"I was prepared to drop down the divisions not to make a fast buck but because I wanted to be a part of something big. I spoke to Ally and was under the impression he really wanted me on board and that excited me.
"But in the end it became obvious he and Green were not on the same wavelength. I don't want to say any more than that."
St Johnstone visit Motherwell today, with Steve Lomas dismissing suggestions that his side could benefit from their hosts' exertions in Europe against Panathinaikos in midweek.
He said: "I wouldn't say it was an exhausting journey for them, to Athens and back. Panathinaikos was a very tough game for Motherwell but we know that whatever team Stuart McCall puts out will be a good team. He has done a magnificent job at Motherwell. They have a good team spirit and a good blend of players."
St Johnstone lost their opening Clydesdale Bank Premier League game 2-0 at Hearts but Lomas saw enough from his team to give him confidence for the trip to Lanarkshire.
The Perth club last night failed in an attempt to have Gregory Tade's red card from last weekend overturned. He will serve a two-game ban, starting today.
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