Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Davidson is ‘ready to go’
ST JOHNSTONE midfield man Murray Davidson is “ready to go” in tomorrow’s away Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie against FK Trakai i n Vilnius, Lithuania.
The former Livingston player underwent ankle surgery at the end of last season and admitted he is “a week behind the others in pre-season work.”
He missed last Thursday’s first leg 2-1 loss but feels there is no reason as to why Saints can’t win and qualify for the second qualifying round.
“I watched the first leg and we had the better chances,” he went on. “Blair Alston and Graham Cummins had the best chances but they didn’t go in.
“Trakai were very good technically but we can beat them and go through.
“We must score twice and, believe me, there is all to play for.
“I got 90 minutes against Aberdeen on Saturday and, if called upon tomorrow night in Lithuania, I am ready.
“The side which faced Aberdeen was much changed from that which took on Trakai in the first leg and the boys who faced the Dons got the chance to play themselves right i nto the manager’s plans.”
Saints fly out today, taking 23 players with them including Steven MacLean, who may be involved despite medical advice not to play on artificial surfaces .
It’s possible they could have as many fans as Trakai at the game. Over 200 Saints fans have journeyed to Vilnius with the home side having home crowds i n the l ow hundreds.
Meanwhile, t he Saints U/20 side’s away Irn-Bru Cup tie against their Aberdeen counterparts is at Brechin’s Glebe Park on August 15.