Former Hearts favourite returning to Scotland 'a more mature player'

Uche Ikpeazu. | Getty Images

Former Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu has said he is a ‘more mature player’ following his return to Scotland with St Johnstone.

The Saints have snapped him up on a free transfer to bolster their striking options ahead of next season.

Ikpeazu, who is 29-years-old, has agreed to move to McDiarmid Park on a two-year deal, subject to international clearance following the expiration of his contract at Port Vale.

He has told St Johnstone’s club website: “I’m excited. I can focus on this new journey and challenge back here in Scotland. I’m looking forward to imposing myself on the league.

“The supporters might know me from my time in the Scottish Premiership before. I’m a more mature player now and want to exceed my own expectations.

“It was a no-brainer for me. I have worked with the gaffer before and I’m ready to help the team. I want to show my quality and talent.”

He added: “Having a full pre-season is going to be very important. That is massive for me because, the last couple of years, I haven’t had that.

“I’m hungry, determined, focused and can’t wait to see everyone at McDiarmid Park. I know where I’m at and I can really get the head down and build forward.”

Craig Levein managed the attacker at Hearts and has now reunited with him again. He has said: “I’m really pleased to get Uche in – and to get him in so early. I know exactly what he is capable of from his previous time spent in Scottish football.

“He is a real handful in the forward department and is a top professional too. I’m sure he will be a great asset for the team and for our other strikers at the club.

“Uche will be keeping himself ticking over until we return for pre-season and then we look forward to getting started with him fully.”

Ikpeazu spent two years at Tynecastle Park from 2018 to 2020 and scored 10 goals in 55 games.

He spent time on the books at Reading and Watford as a youngster and had loan spells away from the latter with the likes of Crewe Alexandra, Port Vale, Doncaster Rovers and Blackpool before Cambridge United snapped him up permanently.

The London-born man then spent two years with the U’s, firing 22 goals in 80 matches, before Hearts came calling.

Ikpeazu cut ties with the Edinburgh outfit four years ago and has since played for Wycombe Wanderers, Middlesbrough, Cardiff City, Konyaspor and Port Vale and now finds himself back in Scotland.

He linked up with the Valiants in October last year and found the net only once for them last term as they were relegated from League One.

His contract at Vale Park expires this summer and he has decided not to stay put with them in League Two after they went down along with Carlisle United, Fleetwood Town and Cheltenham Town under Darren Moore.

Ikpeazu will be hoping he can find his shooting boots again with St Johnstone.