Jonatan Johansson has revealed his St Johnstone debut came as much of a surprise to him as it did to almost everyone at McDiarmid Park on Tuesay night.

News the 34-year-old former Rangers striker had signed for Saints only became apparent when his name was printed on the teamsheet for the Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final against Dundee United.

And although Johansson was obviously aware he had penned a deal until January, he was not expecting to start the 2-1 win.

Asked when he had finalised his contract, he said it had been agreed on Monday, adding: "There were some technical issues we had to go through.

"So I didn't really didn't know that I would be in the squad and I didn't know until just before the game that I was playing."

Although the timing of his signing came as a surprise, the fact Johansson joined Saints did not.

He had been training with Derek McInnes' men for a number of weeks after being released by Hibernian last month.

That was in a bid to maintain his fitness for Finland's recent World Cup qualifiers with Wales and Germany, his 99th and 100th caps four his country.

"I've enjoyed training with the lads here and the way the manager wants to play football I think really suits me," said Johansson, who missed two good chances to score but showed glimpses of the form that persuaded Charlton to pay Rangers £3.25million for his service nine years ago.

"I didn't have any other good offers on the table and I felt like I wanted to keep playing.

"I really wanted to keep going after the internationals because it felt like I was in good shape."

Indeed, McInnes feared he would miss out on Johansson after the striker celebrated his 100th cap with a goal against Germany earlier this month.

Johansson said: "It was a special day and thankfully I've had four internationals this season.

"It kept me going and I scored a few goals there to keep my confidence level because it's not always easy to keep your confidence and motivation when you don't have a team."

Johansson has no intention of stopping at 100 caps, which moved him up to joint third on Finland's all-time list behind Jari Litmanen (129) and Sami Hyypia (103).

"I've talked to the manager and he wants me if I keep fitness and form," Johansson said.

"My team situation hasn't been great but I want to continue as long as possible.

"It's very hard to tell your country, 'No'."

After helping Saints reach their fourth major cup semi-final in four seasons, Johansson must extend his contract if he wishes to take part in next year's Hampden showpiece.

And despite a gruelling three-and-a-half-hour round trip to Perth from the north Ayrshire home he shares with Scottish wife Jean Anderson, he is prepared to consider staying on.

"Of course," he said. "It's obviously up to myself as well and up to the club when that time comes. We'll have to wait and see."

He also accepted responsibility for failing to make the grade at Hibs, saying: "Sometimes these things happen and there's no point looking back too much and making excuses.

"You have to look at yourself as well.

"They have a very good, young squad there and I wasn't in their plans."

United boss Craig Levein is unsure whether Sunday's Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League game against Rangers will be the perfect pick-me-up for his side.

"I'll let you know on Sunday night!" he joked.

"We can play better than that. There are still areas of the pitch in which we're hoping we'll improve in the weeks ahead."