By Kyle Gunn

New St Mirren signing Alfie Jones is looking forward to competing for first team football in the Scottish Premiership. 

The 20 year old joined the Paisley club on a season long loan from Southampton.

The St Mary's u23 skipper has just penned a two year contract extension with Mark Hughes' side. 

When asked if he believed the move would give him the chance to gain vital experience, he said: “Definitely. It’s what I’ve come here for. It’s the main objective and the next step I need in my career. I want to push on and get that experience here.

“It’s a great club going in the right direction and they showed an interest in me from the start. It’s a club I wanted to repay for that faith. I want to be a part of it.

“It took a couple of weeks. I wanted to be in for the start of the season but unfortunately that didn’t happen. I was trying to push to get here as soon as possible and thankfully I did that.

"They were on the phone to my agent and Southampton day in day out trying to get me in so I’m grateful for that.”

Jones, who goes straight into the squad for the BetFred Cup game away to Aberdeen this Saturday, can play either centre half or holding midfield.

The Gazette:

Jones in action for Southampton

And it doesn’t matter what role he’s asked to play as long as he’s contributing to the team.

He continued: “I like both roles. Last season I played a bit of both, centre-half and centre-mid. I played the Checkatrade Trophy I played a lot in midfield and I think that’s where the manager sees me.”

“I’m happy to play in both roles. I want to do whatever it takes and to help the team.”

Saints boss Alan Stubbs also had his say on the latest addition to the squad.

The Gazette:

Alan Stubbs 

He said: “He’s a good size and fits the criteria in terms of what we are looking for in that role. He certainly provides competition for places and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

“I know there’s definitely been two other clubs in League One in England who were interested in him so I’m glad he’s decided to come here.”

“It’s been going on for a few weeks now and from Day One he has always given us the impression that this is the place he wanted to come to.”

“One club offered him more money than we could but he seems a really level headed young man who knows what he wants to do and he’s raring to go.”