FIGHT FOR SECOND

PREMIERSHIP Alston deal gives boss hope he can keep stars

DEMI MITCHELL believes his loan stint at Hearts has made him a man after being named Manchester United’s reserve team Player of the Year.

The 21-year-old has been a revelation since joining the Jambos in January, with man-of-thematch awards in three of his first five appearances and cementing the leftback berth at Tynecastle.

His progress was curtailed by a serious knee injury he picked up in February but he is now back in full training and could play in the final two matches of the season against Celtic and Hibs.

And after picking up his award at Old Trafford Mitchell said: “I’ve learned a lot by going to Hearts for six months.

“When you go on loan you grow up as a person and you grow as a man by playing in men’s football and playing for vital points.” BY ALAN MARSHALL TOMMY WRIGHT is confident more St Johnstone stars will sign contracts after Blair Alston agreed a new 12-month deal.

The 26-year-old midfielder arrived at McDiarmid Park two years ago after coming through the youth ranks at Falkirk.

And despite being ruled out since damaging ankle ligaments in April the Saints boss wanted Alston tied down as he rolls out plans for next season.

The club are in talks with other out-of-contract stars and Wright said: “It’s been a frustrating campaign for Blair after being injured at the start and now the end of the season.

“But when he has been fit I feel he has contributed well to the team.

“It’s a great piece of business by the club and we can look forward to having Blair back fit and ready to go for the new season.”