Holmes clinches contract

Former Rotherham striker Derek Holmes has signed a one-year contract with First Division side St Johnstone.

The 29-year-old trained with Derek McInnes’ side in Wolverhampton last week and scored in Saints’ 2-1 friendly win over Ayr United on Saturday.

“All our strikers bring different qualities to the team whether it’s pace or movement or natural finishing,” McInnes told the club website.

“Derek will give us something which is just a wee variation on that.”

Holmes scored 11 goals in 40 appearances for Rotherham last season and has previously played with Hearts, Ross County, Cowdenbeath, Raith Rovers, Bournemouth and Carlisle.

Last week, manager McInnes decided against a move for a Spanish left-back who had arrived on trial.

However, the Perth club’s boss is set to watch a left-back from Poland take part in a closed doors game against Hibernian later this week.

“Other than a left-back, we have real competition in all areas of the team now,” McInnes added.

“I’ve had to trim my working squad down from 24 to 20 but all 20 guys will expect to be playing and will be unhappy if they are not and that’s what I need.

“There are no ‘fringe players’ now.”