ALLOA manager Jack Ross says he is delighted to have completed the signing of former St Mirren captain Jim Goodwin.

The former Republic of Ireland international has penned a deal at the Indodrill Stadium and becomes the Wasps' tenth new recruit of the summer.

The Alloa gaffer is thrilled to have added the combative midfielder to his squad and believes he will have a real impact.

Ross told Advertiser Sport: “Jim has got a hugely competitive nature which is evident from the way he plays the game, but I don't think you can underestimate how good a footballer he is as well. The fact he can play in both defence and midfield is an advantage because, at centre-half in particular, we were a bit light. His leadership qualities are unquestionable and he will have an influence in the dressing room and on the training pitch in terms of how professional he is so he has a huge number of attributes. He still has a real hunger to go and win things in his career which I think is important as well.

“I was only made aware late last week that there was a possibility of Jim coming here so things have happened quite quickly but I am delighted to have a player of his pedigree coming to the club. It also gives us a player in a position I think we needed, so overall it is a terrific signing which really complements the players we already have.”

Ross reckons Goodwin's arrival will give his whole squad a lift and believes they are approaching the new campaign with a renewed sense of optimism.

He said: “I think the club's profile is raised when you sign somebody who has had a successful career in the game. Jim has been successful in the Premier League for a number of years now. It creates its own pressures and expectations but I think we have a squad who are more than capable of dealing with them.

“I think it further strengthens what we have in place. I was already delighted with the squad we had but we lacked a bit in a certain area and Jim gives us something there. I think the signing will give the rest of the squad greater belief in what we are trying to do and it means we are going into pre-season with a real mood of optimism around the place.”

The manager is delighted with how his squad is shaping up and does not expect there to be any more transfer business ahead of the start of the season.

Ross added: “I think that is our business done but I did say previously that during the pre-season period, you never know. I'm really pleased with how the squad is looking. I was pleased before we signed Jim and I am even more so now. There is a real balance to the squad. Now we are just really excited about getting back into training.”