I won’t rush Craig but he will impress
CALLUM DAVIDSON is backing Craig Bryson to get back on track at St Johnstone.
But the Perth boss has warned fans the ring-rusty midfielder won’t be fast-tracked into the first-team squad until he’s ready.
Davidson wasn’t tempted to pitch the one-time Scotland star straight into the weekend clash with Ross County. And the 33-year-old might have to be patient for his chance.
The Saints boss said: “Craig brings experience and quality and his energy levels are incredible. He also gives me options with systems.
“Craig has probably adapted his game a bit. He can sit or press and get forward, like Ali McCann. So he offers us all-round flexibility.
“He’s a wee bit short of full fitness just now so we will work on that. We have to build him up and make sure he’s ready.”
The Perth gaffer, who is keen to secure one more signing before next month’s transfer deadline, is also playing patience with defender Callum Booth.
Davidson added: “He has had an Achilles problem. We’re trying to get to the bottom of it.
“Saturday and Livingston will come too soon for him but hopefully he isn’t far away now.
“Callum was playing through a lot of pain so all credit to him. But we have a lot of games coming up and we have to make sure he is right and ready to go again.
“Hopefully there is scope for bringing in one more player. There might have to be a bit of movement to get one in.”
Davidson’s priority could be a striker, with Saints netting just four times in eight games. He said: “We’ve played really well in the last three games but only got the win against St Mirren. People can criticise but I’m still really positive about what we’re doing. We can’t lose that belief.
“Crosses are where you get your goals from and we’re getting them in. I think only Rangers have got in more this season. But we have to be more aggressive getting on the end of them.”