Shaun Rooney makes Europe-bound St Mirren move and signs two-year deal

Shaun Rooney became Europe-bound St Mirren’s first signing of the summer yesterday.

The 27-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal after leaving English League One side Fleetwood Town.

Rooney is a club legend at St Johnstone having scored the winning goals in the 2021 League Cup and Scottish Cup finals at Hampden as the Perth side completed the double.

Now he is aiming to make a name for himself with the Paisley Saints who have UEFA Conference League football to look forward to this summer; their first Euro foray in 37 years.

“I’m thrilled to be joining a team like St Mirren that has just confirmed European football,” he told the club website.

“It’s good to be coming back home. St Mirren wanted to sign me two years ago before I went to Fleetwood, and I had a good chat with the manager, but I just wanted to try new things.

“The club being interested in me again is obviously a positive sign. It’s a club that’s close to home and one I know a lot about it. I was on trial when I was younger as well. Things just seem right for me to join St Mirren and I’m looking forward to it.

“I spoke to Marcus Fraser and he gave high reviews. I asked what the team was looking like for next season and he only said positive things so I can’t wait to get started and meet the boys.

“I’m a right-back/right wing-back who likes to get forward. I like to put crosses in, get to the back stick and score goals. I played at right centre-back for the last two months at Fleetwood and enjoyed it. I enjoyed the one-to-one duels, aerial battles and desire to keep clean sheets.”

Rooney – who will link up with the Buddies for the start of pre-season training – has also enjoyed spells with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Queen’s Park, York City, Queen of the South and Dunfermline Athletic.

Saints gaffer Stephen Robinson said: “We’re delighted to get Shaun in early. He’s a player that I have chased for a number of years. He can play in a number of different positions and has proved his quality in the Scottish Premiership.

“I think he brings real athleticism, quality and strength and can also add goals to the team. We’ve started our signings early and we look forward to welcoming Shaun to the club.”

Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here