“Although it only came to fruition in a rush yesterday, these offers have been there for the last month,” Strachan told the club’s website, www.saintsfc.co.uk.

“We did really well to keep the David Prutton deal quiet for so long because that has been going on for six weeks. The offer was in before the transfer window even opened.

“I am really chuffed to have got not just one but both of them and when they join in and we get our injured players back then the squad is going to look a lot stronger.

“It is a great day for the club. We have got two English players who are the right age and the right price – a far price.”

Strachan is particularly pleased to have recruited two players with the right heart and temperament for a club now going places in the top flight.

He added: “The whole coaching staff are delighted to have got David Prutton. He is a good player and person.

“Steve Wigley knows him well from his days at Forest so we know what we are getting in terms of character, which is important.

“He can do everything. He can pass and run, he is brave and not afraid of a physical or mental challenge. He has had a good football education so we won’t need to do much with him.

“He is adaptable but we have a specific role in mind for him in time.

“Danny played against us last year and was still in there battling even when things were not going great.

“We have watched him for a long time, ever since we knew we were short of left-sided players. He was their Player of the Year last season which says a lot about him.

“He can obviously play in the Premiership and he is a good age. As he gets older, he will get even better. I am very happy to have got both in.”