Karim Kerkar has defended his decision to reject a move to St Mirren.

Kerkar, who had spells with Clyde and Dundee United, had a successful two-week trial in Paisley.

"I played in a friendly win against Derby County and put in a good performance," he said. "But they only wanted to sign me up until January. The contract they were offering me was nothing special."

His decision to reject the contract has angered St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson.

But Kerkar, who was last with Al-Wahda in the UEA, told the News of the World: "Scottish clubs don't take risks and they just offer very short-term contracts.

"It's all well and good to sign up until January, but what would I do if I got injured just before then?

"I had that sort of misadventure at Manchester City. I signed for six months with the option of four further seasons, but I got injured in December.

"I did not want to make the same mistake again, because I am 30 now.

"A couple of other Scottish clubs want to give me a trial, but they are in the First Division, so I prefer to bide my time and wait.

"I don't want to sign something too quickly and pass up a good opportunity.

"Besides, I could join any club in France as I am a free agent - and there are plenty of teams in difficulties."