New St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari is like a kid at Christmas, full of excitement and energy at what’s to come.

The 51-year-old is “proud of the trust” put in him to be appointed as Craig Levein’s successor and admits he was blown away by what he saw from the team.

“When I watched the matches I saw very good players there,” the 51-year-old told SaintsTV.

“Players with huge potential so I got very excited. The players are the key, we have the tools.

“You look for characters. You don’t need to be the player who shouts the most, you can set the example by doing the right things for the team.

“When you have players playing for the same goal, then comes the power of the team. When we play well as a team, every individual player looks much better.

“No player can do it alone, we have to do it together and then we can enjoy the individual brilliance.

“I’m very proud of the trust that’s been put on me to take this great football club forward. I’m so happy to be here.”