ST MIRREN have signed centre-back Gary MacKenzie from Doncaster Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

The former Rangers youth player joins the Buddies on a one-year deal after spending the last six years south of the border.

Now aged 30, MacKenzie has opted to return to Scotland as he seeks to bolster Saints' backline for a promotion push in next season's Scottish Championship.

MacKenzie made two first team appearances for the Ibrox side before moving to Dundee in 2006, then managed by current Buddies boss Alex Rae.

The summer of 2010 saw MacKenzie head south to sign for MK Dons where he made over 70 appearances over the course of three campaigns.

A loan spell with Blackpool followed before he decided to make the switch permanent in July 2013.

After an impressive campaign with the Seasiders, MacKenzie was farmed out on loan to Bradford City during the second half of the 2014/15 season before agreeing terms with Doncaster.

MacKenzie was called up to Craig Levein's Scotland squad for a friendly match with Cyprus in 2011.

The 6ft 4in defender, who spent a month on loan with Notts County during the last campaign, is now relishing the opportunity to work under his old boss.

Speaking to St Mirren TV, he said: "I’ve been in England for six years and I had moved the family back up to Scotland three years ago but it hasn’t been ideal.

"When I spoke to Alex he told me there was a possibility that I could come here, get back to playing and enjoying my football and going home to my family – it was very appealing.

"I obviously respect Alex and I’ve worked under him before – he’s a good coach. He spoke very well about the club and what he’s trying to build here and what he seems to be building is very exciting.

"I’ve got a lot of experience and I’ve played at quite a high level. I’m fully committed in everything I do and hopefully with me coming back here to my family then the football takes care of itself and you should actually see a better me than I have been in the last few years."

Manager Rae was equally as pleased to have landed the stopper and said: "I knew Gary was looking to get back up the road and he’s a good addition for us.

"He’s experienced, he brings physicality and I worked with him a couple of years ago at Blackpool in the Championship – we have a quality player on our hands here.

"You want to have a physicality throughout your team but he’s also a very good footballer. I know what he can bring to the table, it’s not just physicality, we’re getting a good all-round footballer."

Rae, who conceded he was dealt a blow in a recent pursuit of a new addition, confirmed the Paisley club's recruitment process will continue to move forward: "It’s been a tough summer but I’m pleased to get Gary on board.

"We’re looking at strikers and we’re also trying to get a winger in who can inject a bit more pace into the squad. We’re getting there slowly but surely. It’s a process."