Diabate's ready to get Cheick'd in for the Saints

Defender's set to kick-start his career

- FRASER MACKIE

Cheick Diabate says he's fully refreshed and raring to go for St Johnstone after a 'tough' end to a seven-year stay at Exeter City.

The central defender, a 64th minute substitute against Falkirk on Tuesday, has signed a one-year deal.

Diabate, 23, admits he views the switch to Saints as a change needed to kick-start his career again.

He last played a competitive game for Exeter, managed by ex-Scotland and Celtic defender Gary Caldwell, on February 1.

"I was there for seven years, I'm originally from southeast London but Exeter has been my home for that time," Diabate explained.

"I'm up here to get my career back on track.