‘Perfect start’ is hailed by Tommy

“WE’VE had a great start and have to continue that,” said St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright on the eve of his club’s game against Celtic at Parkhead.

Both clubs have nine points from three matches with Celtic t op of t he Premiership and Saints second.

“Nine points is the perfect start for us and I am really looking forward to tomorrow’s match,” Tommy added.

“We know we will have to work hard but Parkhead is a great place to go to play football.”

Blair Alston is the only Saints player missing due to injury.

Should i nternational clearance be received in time, and Saints anticipate no problems, Denny Johnstone will be in the Perth side’s squad for the game.

The former Celtic youth has signed for Saints on a one-year loan from Colchester United and Tommy is happy to have signed his man at last.

The manager revealed he was keen to bring Johnstone to Saints after he left Celtic but the 22-year-old went to Birmingham instead.

Then came a loan spell at Morton before his move to Colchester.

Tommy said: “I’m looking forward to working with Denny and this is a huge opportunity for him.”

Tommy also revealed his “delight” at the international recognition for five of his players.

Alan Mannus and Paul Paton are in the Northern Ireland squad f or t heir u p c o m i n g Wo r l d C u p qualifying match against S a n M a r i n o a n d Ky l e McClean is in the province’s U/21 squad to face Albania.

Jason Kerr i s i n t he Scotland U/21 pool to play Holland and Gregor Donald has just played three times for Scotland U/17s.

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright.