Swede Thomas Andersson signed for St Johnstone yesterday and could be set for an Old Firm debut on Saturday. It is a deal that keeps the 29-year-old striker with the Perth club until the end of the season.

Manager Paul Sturrock believes the powerhouse forward will provide the answer to his striking problems, while revealing that he could have signed him at the start of last season. He watched Andersson in action but left unimpressed - even though he notched a hat trick.

Andersson will get a run out for St Johnstone's reserves against Dundee United tonight and if his fitness is good enough he will be brought into the squad to face Celtic at McDiarmid Park at the weekend.

Sturrock said he was delighted to get Andersson tied up after a frustrating few months in the transfer market, during which he missed out with moves for Barry Lavety, Jim Hamilton and another Swede, Lars Gunnar Karlstrand.

He said: ''I'm delighted to get a player who's a proven scorer fixed up. He's a strong lad and he holds the ball up very well. We're hoping he will come in and do a really good job for us.

''He was the top scorer in the Swedish first division two seasons ago when his team got promoted.''

His team, Vasteras, struggled in the top flight and Andersson managed just a handful of goals as they were relegated last season.

At a previous club, Eskilstuna, he formed a successful partnership with Swedish international Kenneth Anderson. The one-time Ibrox target started his career alongside him and moved on to the Italian league.

Andersson said: ''I know Saints came to see me last year, but I didn't hear anything further until the last few days. I've had chances to play football abroad before, including two offers from Switzerland, but I had a job to think about. I've arranged a year off work and can return to my job if I want. I've signed until the summer, but I'm hoping to be successful and play here longer.''

Sturrock admitted he had seen his new signing at the start of last season but had not been impressed by his all-round performance.

However, he was tipped off about Andersson by his former coaching friend at Dundee United, Ian Bowyer, who is now at Birmingham City, where Andersson recently failed to earn a contract, but impressed him.