NEW signing Michael O’Halloran has described Athletic as a top-flight club in waiting and said joining them was an easy decision.

The 32-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year deal on Sunday, having left St Johnstone at the end of last season, after spending more than week training with James McPake’s side.

He was immediately given his debut in Sunday’s home pre-season friendly with Heart of Midlothian, before playing an hour in Tuesday’s final warm-up at Alloa Athletic.

O’Halloran, who won the Scottish Cup twice, and a League Cup, over two permanent spells, and one loan stint, with the Perth outfit, is McPake’s fourth summer signing, following on from the arrivals of Kane Ritchie-Hosler, Sam Fisher and Ewan Otoo.

After beginning his professional career with Bolton Wanderers, he first moved to McDiarmid Park in January 2014, lining up alongside current Pars assistant boss, Dave Mackay.

That year, they both started, with Mackay as captain, in the Scottish Cup final, in which Saints defeated Dundee United to secure the club’s first-ever major honour.

A move to Rangers followed, as did a return to Perth on loan, and a six-month stint with Melbourne City in Australia, before he rejoined St Johnstone permanently in 2019, helping them to their famous Scottish Cup and League Cup double triumph in 2020/21.

O’Halloran, who ended last season with Cove Rangers, told Press Sport that Mackay’s influence played a part in his decision to sign – but impressions of Dunfermline outwith that also helped to convince him.

“I was in for 10 days or so. As soon as I came in, in terms of the facilities and the club as a whole, the people have been really welcoming,” he explained.

“The gaffer spoke to me – he’s been brilliant, and I know Dave. I’ve obviously played with him as well, so those two have been brilliant since I’ve come in, and the boys have been really welcoming.

“Originally I think they tried to get me last year, but circumstances didn’t see it happen. I was obviously at St Johnstone, and then, this season, my contract came to an end, so I was available.

“Obviously, with my relationship with Dave, he gave me a phone, asked if I’d like to come in and train, and it came about like that. As soon as I came in, I was really impressed. The stadium is fantastic, the facilities, you’ve got the gym – just everything I thought was really professional.

“Looking at it, for me, it’s a Premiership club. I don’t want to pressure on, but the aim is to get the club back. I think it belongs there in terms of the infrastructure, and obviously the fanbase and everything as well.

“That was big as well. The club as a whole, I think it was an easy option for me.”

O’Halloran had interest from elsewhere but said the desire the Pars showed to sign him helped make up his mind, along with working again with Mackay.

“I played with him for so long and obviously I had great times with him at St Johnstone. We won the Scottish Cup together; he was the captain, and he was a great captain as well. I had a lot of respect for him,” O’Halloran continued.

“When I was a young kid, he was the old head, wasn’t he? He’s still the same as ever, the same sense of humour. He’s a good guy, I’ve got a lot of time for him.

“He played an important part as well. The manager, when I spoke to him, I liked what he said to me.

“I think it’s important in football that, when you feel wanted, it goes a long way. They really made me feel that when I came in. It was a warm feeling and genuine. That’s been massive in my decision as well.

“There was a few teams that came in and I was weighing up what would be best, and it was easy, because I was in here training.

“I had seen it and knew what it was about, so I didn’t need to think about anywhere. Obviously, I had some good offers, but, when I looked at this one, it made sense. “I think that helps, when you’re in and getting to know everybody. It just felt it was the right move.”

He added: “Players will tell you that; when you’ve got that trust from the manager, and they put that belief in you, it helps when you go out there and you feel that freedom to go and show what you’ve got.

“I’m looking forward to the season ahead and hopefully repaying them with the faith they’ve put in me. I’m delighted.”