St Mirren 'delighted' to complete deal for return of Keanu Baccus

St Mirren have announced the return of Australian international Keanu Baccus, with the player saying he aims to recapture his best form at his ‘home away from home’.

Baccus left the Paisley club last summer for Mansfield after his St Mirren contract expired but has now returned, signing a two-year contract, with the option for a further year.

The midfielder thrived at St Mirren first time around, making 72 appearances and scoring four goals, with his performances helping to establish him in the Australia side.

He became the first St Mirren player to feature at a FIFA World Cup, representing the Socceroos at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

After a season at Mansfield where he played 43 times for the League One side, he said he was delighted to have returned to a place where he felt he had been at his best.

“I’m buzzing to be back,” he told the club’s official website. “They were some of the best times of my life, on and off the pitch, especially on the pitch.

“It was a year away but it felt like longer. Knowing the staff and everyone else makes it a little bit easier to settle in. It was definitely a no-brainer and I can’t wait to get started.

“I probably call this a home away from home and it’s nice to be wanted. I just want to find my form again, continue to grow and learn and help the club as best I can.”

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson said: “We all know what Keanu brings.

“He’s been part of our success in the early years and we’re absolutely delighted to have a quality player of that stature back again. It really gives us strength in the middle of the pitch.

“He’s a great boy, full of enthusiasm and he’s a very good signing for us.

“Keanu has worked with us before so he knows what we want from him and he knows the level required.

“He brings a wealth of experience and loads of energy.”