Aaron Comrie hopes his loan move to Peterhead can help him make the breakthrough at St Johnstone.
The Saints full back has joined the Blue Toon for the rest of the campaign and has impressed at right back in his first two games for the club – a 1-0 win at Brechin and last weekend’s 3-2 defeat by league leaders Livingston.
Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Montrose, the 19-year-old hopes playing in League 1 can prepare him for the rigours of Premiership football.
He said: “Joining Peterhead was an easy decision for me to make. It was a no-brainer when the chance came as it’s a step up from where I was last season and it’s a lot better than playing under-20 football.
“While I’m at Peterhead I’ll play competitive football every Saturday and if I do well and get a lot of time under my belt then I know I’ll go back to St Johnstone stronger for the experience.”
Comrie was given glowing references about the Blue Toon and insists he had no qualms about moving to Balmoor.
He added: “Peterhead’s former St Johnstone player Scott Brown told me it was a good club while some of the lads at St Johnstone spoke highly of the club as well. Ally Gilchrist has been on loan here before and he had nothing but good things to say about the club and the manager.
“I’m happy to get the chance to play here.”
Comrie has been joined at Balmoor by his Saints youth team-mate Liam Gordon, who hopes to make his debut for the Blue Toon at Alloa today after missing last week’s game due to a calf injury.
The central defender, who has had spells on loan previously with Arbroath and Elgin City, is also relishing the chance to play competitive football.
He said: “It is good that Aaron is here as well as that will help me get to know the rest of the players here.
“It’s nice to get out of my comfort zone and I can’t wait to get started.
“I have been playing against players the same age as me in the Development League, so going out on loan and testing myself will only help me improve.
“I will face different types of forwards in the league and this is a good move for me.”