FORMER Dumbarton midfielder Scott Agnew has revealed that his move to St Mirren feels like the ultimate reward for his hard work at part-time clubs during his career.

Agnew was a youth player at Rangers before spells at Hamilton Accies, Alloa (twice), Ayr, Stranraer and finally his four years at Dumbarton have led him back to the promise land of full-time football once again.

And the 27-year-old admitted that the offer to step up from part-time level was too good to turn down.

He said: “It feels like a lot of hard work has paid off. I’ve had a really successful four years at Dumbarton in particular. I loved my time there but it was just too good an option to turn down to sign for St Mirren and hopefully we’ll be up there this season.” The midfield playmaker joins former boss Ian Murray at New St Mirren Park as the Buddies look to bounce back from last year’s relegation from the top flight.

The strong relationship between the pair was another pull for Agnew who attracted interest from a host of clubs part-time and full-time.

He explained: “There was a fair bit of interest from other clubs but it was a great chance to go with the gaffer who I have a great relationship with, he knows my game and I know the way he works.

“It is great to now be a St Mirren player with the size of the club and the quality of players they can attract but knowing the gaffer has made it easier for me to settle in.” When the fixture list for this season’s Ladbrokes Championship came out there was one fixture Agnew was looking out for — and he won’t have to wait long to see some familiar faces as Dumbarton visit New St Mirren Park in the second league fixture of the season.

The former Sons’ favourite is looking forward to the four contests with his old side.

He added: “To be honest I’m looking forward to it, I’ve got a great relationship with the people at Dumbarton, the staff, the supporters and everyone attached to the club.

“So I am looking forward to coming back to see everyone, obviously it was a big decision for me to leave with the success I had there.”