ST Johnstone have secured the return of striker Ruari Paton from Port Vale. The 25-year-old has signed a contract at McDiarmid Park until the summer of 2028.

What happened?

Paton scored five goals in 13 Championship appearances last season while on loan. He has now made his move permanent, with Port Vale accepting an undisclosed fee.

Why it matters for ST Johnstone

Paton's return is a significant boost for the team, who are currently 11 points clear of Partick at the top of the Championship. Their recent form has been impressive, with 5 consecutive wins.

What comes next?

ST Johnstone will be looking to continue their good form with Paton back in the team. Their last result was a 1-0 win over Ayr Utd on 2026-05-01. The team's current standing is: | Category | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 1st in Championship | | Points | 77 | | Recent form | WWWWW | | Goals this season | 67 scored, 25 conceded | Paton told Saints' media: "I loved every minute of that achievement. I always felt happy here and I wanted to come back." He has built a connection with the team and the supporters, and feels at home at McDiarmid Park.