CHRIS Birchall is hoping to rejuvenate his career at St Mirren after moving north from Coventry.
The 23-year-old Trinidad and Tobago midfielder has been snapped up until January by Buddies boss Gus MacPherson.
Birchall joined the Sky Blues from Port Vale last August in a £325,000 deal.
But he failed to settle at the Ricoh Arena and was allowed to leave by boss Iain Dowie to get first-team football.
He said: "Iain pulled me in and said there was interest from St Mirren and I am not going to stop you going because the squad here is too big.
"I'm just grateful for the chance to come here, I want to enjoy my football again and play games.
"The gaffer (Gus MacPherson) came down and watched me a few times and it's nice that someone takes time and makes the effort to come and watch you.
"I'm privileged and hopefully I can perform to the best of my ability in the coming games.
"I want to get back to the fitness levels I had when I signed for Coventry right after the World Cup.
"That's the best form I've had and I don't think it's been up there since because of the lack of games.
"I want to fight my way into the team and, once I'm in, try to pass on some experience."
Buddies boss Gus MacPherson welcomed the player and thanked Dowie for sanctioning the deal.
He said: "We are delighted to get him and I've watched him a couple of times.
"He adds a bit of strength to the squad and also competition for places and that it what we are looking for.
"I'm also grateful to Iain for allowing it to happen."