The 21-year-old penned a three-year deal with the Buddies to become Alan Stubbs’ first Saints signing.

St Mirren beat off competition from English Premier League and Championship clubs to secure the signing of the highly-thought-of centre-back from Vanarama National League North side Darlington.

Heaton signed for the Quakers in November, making 21 appearances, scoring once, and at the end of the season was accepted for the Jamie Vardy V9 Academy where he once again impressed watching scouts.

He joined Darlington from Evo-Stik Northern Premier League North side Ramsbottom United.

He started his career at Preston North End but was released in the summer of 2016.

In his ten years at Preston, he also had loan spells at Tamworth and Colne.

He then joined Droylsden and Stalybridge Celtic before switching to Bamber Bridge in the summer of 2016.

He played for Quakers in the pre-season of 2017, but a proposed move broke down because of injury.

In October 2017, he moved on to Ramsbottom, but made only three appearances before finally signing for Darlington.

Speaking on joining the Buddies, Heaton told stmirren.com: "I can't wait to get going.

"The thought of playing against the big teams and striving to be the best and play first-team football was something that brought me here.

"Every time I step on that park I want to win. I want to keep a clean sheet and I want our strikers to score as many goals as possible. I want to win games and I want to win trophies."

Saints manager Alan Stubbs said: "I'm absolutely delighted.

"It's a sign of intent and I'd like to thank the board for putting their trust in me.

"You only have to look at the clubs who were wanting to get Josh and to have got him it's quite a coup."

Chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick added: "It’s a significant outlay and represents our commitment to Alan and our supporters as we try to build a side that will be competitive in the Premiership.

"There was a definite interest in Josh from clubs down south and we are delighted that he has chosen to join St Mirren".