91Èȱ¬

Brian Graham says Ross County manager Jim McIntyre's hunger to sign him led to his choice of new club as the striker prepares to exit Dundee United.

St Johnstone had opened talks about a permanent contract for the 27-year-old, who has been on loan at McDiarmid Park.

But he has agreed a two-year deal with Scottish Premiership rivals County.

"Jim McIntyre has been trying to sign me for a few months now and his desire to get me signed up was one of the keys," Graham told 91Èȱ¬ Scotland.

"I've been really impressed at the way he's got them going."

While Saints have finished in the top six, County could yet finish in the relegation play-off spot despite improved form since McIntyre took charge.

"Hopefully they achieve safety this weekend and we can have a right go in the Premiership next season," said Graham, who is ineligible to face United in one of the season's final games.

"I think they're a team on the up and hopefully I can add something different to their front line.

"I'm fully committed to St Johnstone until the end of the season.

"I've got two games left that I can play and hopefully I can help clinch European football once again."

Graham, who moved to Tannadice from Raith Rovers in the summer of 2013 and has scored seven goals in his first season, has netted 10 times during his season-long loan.

Staggies boss Jim McIntyre added: "Brian is a player I've admired for a long time.

"He's a different type of striker to what we have at the moment and I look forward to working with him."