Gallacher joined Dunfermline from Norwich in January 2008

Ex-Scotland goalkeeper Paul Gallacher has expressed his delight at returning to the nation's top flight after his transfer to St Mirren from Dunfermline.

Neither club have disclosed whether there was a fee involved for the 29-year-old Gallacher.

"It's a great feeling to be involved in Scottish Premier League football again," he told the club website after signing a two-year contract.

"It's my local club and I'm really delighted to be here."

Gallacher, who was still under contract with the Pars, said he had been impressed by St Mirren's new stadium and had been flattered by the club's determination to sign him.

"Manager Gus MacPherson showed a lot of desire to bring me here, so it made me feel wanted, which is a great thing for any player," he said.

If we could gain stability, and get a top six place, then it would be a great achievement Paul Gallacher

"I know last season St Mirren were fighting relegation for a wee while, so next season is hopefully where we can consolidate or make a push towards the top six.

"This club is steeped in history and it would be great to be a part of that if we can build on last season and even get a good cup run.

"But if we could gain stability and get a top six place then it would be a great achievement."

MacPherson told BBC Scotland that Gallacher was his first choice as he looked to bolster his goalkeeping options as Chris Smith required surgery in April for a cruciate ligament injury that is likely to keep out of action for most of the coming season.

"We have two good young goalkeepers and Mark Howard had a good season," said the Buddies manager.

"But we have decided to go for a bit of experience and Paul has international recognition as well.

"I think Mark and Chris will both learn from him.

"Paul has played at the highest level and been involved in the international scene with Scotland, he will bring great competition to a very important area of the team."

Dunfermline had been unwilling to part with Gallacher and negotiations had been progressing since the end of the season.

Gallacher had himself said he was happy to remain with the Pars, but their failure to win promotion to the SPL meant he was bound to be a target for top-flight clubs.

Gus MacPherson is looked to add to his squad ahead of the new season

The goalkeeper started his career with Dundee United and won the first of his eight Scotland caps while with the Tannadice club before being transferred to Norwich City.

Gallacher failed to become a first-team regular during his three-and-a-half years at Carrow Road and had loan spells with Gillingham and Sheffield Wednesday.

He moved to Dunfermline during the January transfer window in 2008.

Meanwhile, former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Bryan Hodge has been training with St Mirren.

MacPherson explained that the 21-year-old was one of several players he had invited to take part in the Buddies' preparations for the new season.

Hodge, who has represented Scotland at youth level, is a product of Blackburn's youth system but was released after loan spells with Mansfield, Millwall and Darlington.

However, the St Mirren manager explained that a contract offer would not only depend on whether players like Hodge impress but also on how the club's finances shape up in the coming weeks.

St Mirren were forced to release midfielder Gary Mason after the loss of the SPL's television contract with Setanta following the broadcaster's plunge into administration.

"The decision about Gary was purely financial," explained MacPherson. "We had an offer on the table that we had to withdraw because of the TV deal."

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