New recruit Cole Kpekawa signed and made his debut for Saints on Friday, but knows there's still work to be done before the league campaign starts.
He started the game against Kilmarnock in the Betfred Cup, and left a good first impression on both the manager and fans.
He said: "I thought I did ok. Still thought I was a bit rusty in certain areas, but that's going to happen - I haven't played in a long time.
"I needed that game. I needed to get it out of my system. We had a few in-house games as well, but proper games like this is what I need really, and the more I get the more I improve so I'm very happy to get out there.
"I thought I did ok, but you can always improve."
Kpekawa was paired with Jack Baird in the 0-0 draw at Rugby Park, but insists that he already feels comfortable in the squad since he started on trial a couple of weeks ago.
He added: "We sit next to each other in the changing room so we talk a lot, and in training he always talks to me, that's all the defenders though - since I've come here everyone has made me feel welcome. So it's a connection already on the pitch.
"It's simple, just basics really, we've got to communicate. We're all professionals now so everyone should know their job really."
The big defender had played his whole career down in England so far, most recently at Colchester United. He didn't hesitate at the chance to have a crack at Scotland though, and have the opportunity to work with the new St Mirren manager Alan Stubbs.
He enthused: "I'm very happy to get it over the line. Obviously I came here on trial, so I had to work hard when I first came in to show what I can do and fortunately it happened and I got offered the deal.
"When I first got the call about coming up to Scotland I was over the moon, just to have the opportunity. I've never played up here before, so it was a whole new experience for me.
"He's [Stubbs] played around 500 league games at massive clubs so I can learn from him, he can teach me things.
"I think right now I'm only probably 70% fit, maybe even less. When I'm fully fit I can be way more athletic than I showed today.
"I'm a ball playing centre half, I want to play, I want to keep clean sheets as well. I just want to do well and help the team as much as I can and push on in this league."
