From the depths of English non-league football to Scotland's top flight, it's been a hectic summer for two of St Mirren's new recruits.

Darlington defender Josh Heaton and Truro attacker Cody Cooke have joined the Buddies after catching the attention of Alan Stubbs during a stint with Jamie Vardy's V9 Academy.

Stubbs spent time working with Leicester and England forward Vardy's academy in Manchester, where non-league players are given a platform to earn professional deals.

Having been impressed by what he saw during the week-long camp at the Etihad Stadium, St Mirren's new boss moved quickly to snap up the duo.

Heaton arrived for £75,000 - the Paisley side's largest player outlay in 25 years - amid interest from Everton and Middlesbrough.

The 21-year-old, who was playing five tiers below League Two before joining Darlington, is unfazed by the price tag, however.

He said: "Not at all, I'm just excited. I haven't thought about that one bit, I just want to give it my all, there's no pressure.

"The gaffer played in my position, I can't wait to get going."

Cooke, meanwhile, is relishing the prospect of a shot at the big time after spending ten years in the lower leagues with Truro, where he made over 250 appearances.

By his own admission, though, the 25-year-old has had to get up to speed quickly after making the step up.

He said: "I think I've caught up with most of the boys now, the first few days I struggled with the fitness and thought it was going to be hard.

"But I've slowly got in there and now I'm up there with the rest of the lads."

He added: "I'm 25 and have been playing 250 games in the non-league.

"I've always wanted to go full-time and it just so happened that this is the season I've made that jump.

"This is a huge opportunity, I'm ever so grateful to everyone here and I'm going to grab it with both hands."