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New St Mirren signing Alex Iacovitti has admitted he had options elsewhere but couldn't turn down the opportunity to play in Europe for Stephen Robinson.

The centre-back, 26, yesterday completed a return to Scotland from Port Vale with the Paisley club paying an undisclosed fee for the ex-Ross County defender.

Iacovitti - who signed a two-year-deal - had other offers on the table this summer but was immediately excited at the prospect of a move to St Mirren.

“As soon as I heard St Mirren were interested I dived straight into it," said the centre-back who had also been linked with Hibs this summer. “I heard Saints were interested a couple of weeks ago. At that time I was just cracking on with Port Vale.

“I was speaking with my agent who was telling me ‘This is developing, that’s developing’. Then the move came about and that’s really just it. I’m just excited to get started.

“The big attraction to here was the manager, playing European football, just how well they’ve done the last few seasons.

“It’s a tough club, every time I’ve played against these guys they’ve always been right in the game. 

“And the ambition of the club drew me too. They don’t want to relax, they want to move forward again and attack the challenges ahead straight on.

“The manager’s drive, his value, his ambition is pretty much what I stand for too."

On whether he had options to go elsewhere this summer, Iacovitti added: "There were offers elsewhere but as soon as this one came up I was just excited to get it done."

Despite not having direct experience working under Robinson, Iacovittit was convinced he was making the right decision after a discussion over the phone with the manager.

"When I had a chat to him on the phone, everything he said was always about kicking on," he said. "I really like that. That's the kind of manager I want to play for.

"I've played against his teams before. They've all been proper teams and he's a great manager."

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Iacovitti will go from relegation last season at Port Vale, now in League Two, to European football later this month as St Mirren enter the second qualifying round of the Conference League.

The opportunity to make a first appearance in European competition is not one Iacovitti could overlook with the Paisley club set for a trip to either Albanian outfit Vlazznia or Icelandic club Valur next week.

"It's really exciting to play European football and get that on the CV," he beamed. "It's a big part of why I wanted to come here.

"It wasn't the main factor, but it's something I've never done before so I'm really looking forward to doing that.

"European football, not every player gets the chance to do that. It will be brilliant.

"The ambition is to really kick on. I think we can achieve that and get through some rounds.

"We've got a great set of boys."

While the pain of relegation last season still stings for Iacovitti, the former Nottingham Forest defender has insisted the experience will make him stronger as he vowed to bring leadership to the St Mirren changing room.

"It definitely hurt, big time," he said of relegation from League One. "Especially for a centre half. It's not nice and I don't wish it on anyone. 

"It makes you stronger though and hopefully I will bring these experiences with me and know what not to do.

“I think I can add experience, maybe a bit of an attacking threat at set-plays. I know the game well, I’m passionate, I’m a leader. I’ve been a captain everywhere I’ve been so I like to bring that presence.

"It's no real choice [but to deliver leadership and show his experience] it's part of my DNA, my character. Every training session, everything we do you will always hear my voice. If it is a five-yard pass or anything I will always be demanding better.

"It's how I have always been. I am an honest player and I am loud and vocal.

"But you've got to know your players as well; when to...not b*****k them but...and then when to pat them on the back as well.

"It is normal for me, I don't really think about it, it is just natural.

"It's probably a little bit like, oof, but then you get used to it."