The Andy Keogh connection has brought commanding English central defender Mark Beveers to Perth Glory on a two-year deal.

Former Glory striker Keogh, who retired last season to become head of recruitment, played with Beevers from 2012 to 2014 at Millwall.

Glory confirmed, as reported in The West Australian on Tuesday, that Beevers, 32, has been signed to toughen their backline.

“It kind of all fell into place with Andy Keogh retiring and becoming head of recruitment at the club, so I had a direct point of contact,” Beevers said.

Beevers has spent the last three seasons with Peterborough United where he captained the side to promotion to the Championship.

The former England Under-19 international also played 140 games for Sheffield Wednesday and more than 100 for both Millwall and Bolton Wanderers.

“It’s an idea (moving to Australia) I’ve been exploring for a while now,” he said.

“It’s a brand new challenge and completely different to what I’ve been used to over the last 15 years in the UK.

“I’ve had a good chat with the manager (Ruben Zadkovich) and he kind of laid down what he expects from me, what he’s seen in me and in terms of ambition it’s as simple as winning games.”

Keogh said Beever’s background would be crucial to the club rebuild after last season’s wooden spoon.

“We are delighted to get Mark over the line,” Keogh said.

“His experience and communication will be key to helping our young assets grow and learn.

“A great character and leader on and off the pitch, he has a lot of quality to add to our team.”

Zadkovich said the 1.93cm Beevers will toughen the defence.

“He has a very commanding presence, is a natural leader and is very tough in the contest,” Zadkovich said.

“He has captained clubs at Championship level and played pivotal roles in successful teams.

“Mark knows the sacrifices and effort it takes to be successful at an elite level and he will be a great character to have in the dressing room and more importantly, out on the grass in the heat of battle.”

Barnsley-born Beevers came through the junior ranks at Sheffield Wednesday, made his debut in 2007 and was named player of the year the following season.

After loan spells with MK Dons and Millwall, he joined Millwall on a permanent basis and spent five years with the south-east London club.

He moved to Bolton Wanderers where he was named in the PFA League One team of the year as the club clinched promotion before signing for Peterborough and repeating the same double.

He has amassed 557 senior appearances scoring 26 goals.