Drey Wright has left Colchester United to move north of the border and join St Johnstone.

The 23-year-old attacker will head to McDiarmid Park on a two-year deal in July, when his current contract with the U’s terminates.

A product of the U’s youth team, the reliable and versatile Wright made 148 first-team appearances for the Essex club.

Wright’s strength has been his ability to play in a variety of different positions, including both wings, as a wing-back, a front-runner and a withdrawn role just behind the centre forward, although his game has been hampered by poor finishing, with just nine goals netted in his U’s career.

Wright will join Saints on a free transfer, becoming St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright’s first summer signing.

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright revealed: “Drey is a player we’ve watched over a period of time and we were aware that his contract was coming to an end.

“He’s played in a variety of roles for Colchester United but I see him as a right-sided attacking player and I’m confident that he’ll contribute much to the team both in terms of goals and assists.”

Drey Wright played 43 of the U’s 46 league matches during the most recent season, scoring three times.