Gary Teale happy to be back in Scotland after signing for St Mirren

Teale, who turns 33 later this month, had a year left on his Sheffield Wednesday contract but wanted to fulfil a long-held ambition to play in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The former Wigan and Derby winger, who left Ayr United for the Latics in 2001, has signed a two-year contract with the Paisley club and is eager to taste SPL action with Danny Lennon's team.

"Because I went down to England at a young age, it was something I never got the chance to do," Teale said.

"I have enjoyed my time down south and I don't think I would have changed anything.

"I'm just delighted I've got the chance to come up here and hopefully do well with St Mirren."

Teale, who has 13 Scotland caps, added: "Obviously getting to play against the Old Firm is something I'm looking forward to.

"People say the familiarity of Scottish football, playing against each other too many times, is bad.

"But I've not experienced that so I'm actually looking forward to it.

"And there are a lot less games than what I'm used to down south, we had 46 league games and all the cup games as well."

Teale revealed his friendship with St Mirren general manager Brian Caldwell, who performed the same role at Ayr United, was key to the move.

Teale said: "He has always said 'if you want to come up the road, let me know'.

"I had been up the road all summer and although I had a year left at Sheffield Wednesday, I felt it was the right time to come back with my daughter starting school as well.

"It seemed as if the timing was right and everything fell into place. I'm delighted to be here, especially with the enthusiasm of Danny and what he wants to do."

Teale was grateful for Wednesday manager Gary Megson's understanding in letting him return home.

The former Clydebank player said: "The manager said they weren't really looking for me to go but if it's something I was interested in, they would leave it up to me. When I had that opportunity, I was delighted."

Lennon has already signed former scotland striker Steven Thompson as well as Nigel Hasselbaink, Paul McGowan and former Rangers goalkeeper Graeme Smith.

He said: "I'm very excited that we have brought Gary Teale to St Mirren Football Club as he has played at the highest level in the English Premiership and Championship and has been capped for Scotland.

"At the age of 32 he is still ambitious and hungry for success and has kept himself in really good condition in terms of fitness, and above all he has the mentality of a winner."

"I played beside Gary at Ayr United when I was becoming an old man in the game and he was just breaking through.

"You could see the potential he had at that time so it doesn't surprise me one bit that he has gone on to have such a successful career, but the good thing is he still has so much more to offer."