Essel pens St Johnstone deal after impressing on trial

St Johnstone have confirmed the signing of Aaron Essel after the Ghana youth international impressed on trial with his "all-round ability".

The versatile 18-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, has agreed a three-year deal at McDiarmid Park.

Essel, most recently of Bechem United, played for Ghana in the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations and featured as a trialist in a friendly against Arbroath on Saturday.

"Aaron is a young lad who has potential and he has a lot of the required skillsets to be a good player," manager Craig Levein said.

"He trained with us for about 10 days towards the end of last season and did really well. We will see what time brings but he has impressed with his all-round ability."

Teenager Essel added: "I'm very proud and getting the chance to be here is a blessing. I just want to develop and become a key player of the club."