Wright in sweat over eight men

ST JOHNSTONE will be minus five, and possibly eight, players for tomorrow night’s home game against Hearts.

Richard Foster and Danny Swanson are suspended after being sent off against Hamilton and Keith Watson, Ally Gilchrist and Chris Kane are on the long-term injured list.

Zander Clark, Steven Anderson and David Wotherspoon are doubtful due to injuries and it will be nearer kick-off time before it is known if they can make it.

H ow ev e r, Steven MacLean, who didn’t play on Hamilton’s ar tificial surface on medical advice, is back in the squad.

Clive Smith, the 19-yearold on loan from Preston, is likely to replace Foster at right-back.

Boss Tommy Wright was boosted by the performance of the 19-year-old Clive Smith, who came on for the start of the second half in Hamilton.

The Saints boss said: “It was terrible circumstances to make your debut in and I thought he acquitted himself well.

“That proves what a good young player he is.

“Obviously, he’ll get an opportunity now in the next couple of games.”

The Saints gaffer is also looking to repay the fans who travelled to the game against Accies and stuck by the team, regardless of the circumstances.

“The crowd in the second half was right behind the team and gave them a lot of encouragement, we j ust unfortunately couldn’t hold out.

“We’re aiming to bounce back tomorrow. I t ’s a midweek game and, hopefully, the fans come out and appreciate what the players have done for them this season so far and encourage them to try to get that fourth place.” the game at

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright.