Trinidad & Tobago defender Raymond seals Saints move

St Johnstone have signed Andre Raymond after a recommendation from the defender’s Trinidad and Tobago team-mate Dan Phillips.

Raymond, 23, has been training with Saints recently and now joins on a two-year deal after four years in Portugal’s lower leagues, most recently with Vilar de Perdizes.

He has nine caps and plays for the national team alongside midfielder Phillips, who ended a two-year St Johnstone spell this summer.

“We are delighted to bring Andre into the club to bolster our defensive options,” said manager Craig Levein.

“Andre was a recommendation of our former player Dan Phillips, and we are excited to work with him going forward. Andre’s pace and power will be useful attributes both in defence and attack.”

Raymond was already well aware of the club thanks to Phillips.

“He contacted me and mentioned that the coach was really interested in me and he liked me a lot,” the new recruit said.

“From then I continued to watch games, study the style of play and witness the atmosphere of the fans, which is really great. I really wanted to come and join the team.

“I want to use this move as a stepping stone to learn and continue to be a student of the game.”