Innes played for Livingston during a troubled season in Division One

St Mirren have signed Chris Innes after the veteran defender left crisis-torn First Division club Livingston.

The 33-year-old, who had a previous loan spell with the Paisley side, has signed a one-year contract.

Buddies boss Gus MacPherson said: "It has been well known that we have been trying to strengthen the defence.

"Because of the situation at Livingston, Chris became available and we feel that, with his experience, he will be a very good signing."

MacPherson said that Innes was also determined to prove that he is still capable of playing in the Scottish Premier League.

St Mirren made the signing the day after Livingston were saved at the eleventh hour from going into liquidation.

Chris has fantastic attributes to play the game at the highest level St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson

"There were plenty of other options open to us, most of them going down the route of bringing in foreign players," MacPherson told his club website.

"But I feel that, with this being such an important signing in a vital area, we were better going with someone that we know and trust."

MacPherson was a team-mate of Innes's during their time at Kilmarnock.

"I played beside Chris for a couple of years at Kilmarnock when he was really just starting out to make his way in the game," recalled the manager.

"He has fantastic attributes to play the game at the highest level, is very good in the air and very competitive. Basically, he is a no-nonsense defender."

MacPherson said it was unlikely whether Innes would make his debut against East Stirlingshire on Sunday.

He explained that the Buddies only had one more training session before the Co-operative Insurance Cup first-round tie at Ochilview.

Innes, who started his career with Stenhousemuir and also played for Dundee United, spent last season with Livingston after Gretna went into liquidation.

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