Joe Shaughnessy says there is "something starting" at St Mirren after the Irish centre-back joined Jim Goodwin's side on a two-year deal.

The former Aberdeen and St Johnstone defender, 28, returns to the Scottish Premiership after a season in English League One with Southend United.

And he is joined in Paisley by Isak Thorvaldsson, 19, who has agreed a season-long loan from Norwich.

"The manager really sold the club to me," Shaughnessy said.

"His ambition came across really well and it made me feel like there is something starting here and I want to be a part of it.

"I feel well suited to the Scottish game and hopefully I can bring what I learned in England to here."

The former St Johnstone skipper brings "fantastic leadership," says Goodwin, who is also excited by Icelandic teenager Thorvaldsson.

"He's a midfielder who can do a little bit of everything," he told the club website. "He's a physical player but also technically very good."

The duo join on-loan midfielder Nathan Sheron, defender Richard Tait and goalkeeper Jak Alnwick as the Buddies rebuild.

"All these boys we are bringing in fit a certain profile and Joe ticks every box," added Goodwin.