Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Mikey return is boost for Saints
ST JOHNSTONE head for Murrayfield on Saturday to face Hearts.
Having lost 3-0 in each of their last two league games, away to Aberdeen and at home to Rangers, the Perth men are determined to bounce back.
They are under strength, however, with defenders Richard Foster and Steven Anderson suspended.
Another defender, Brian Easton, is nursing an injury but it’s hoped he will be OK.
On the credit side, wide player Michael O’Halloran is back.
He has been out injured and, although he recovered in time for the Rangers game, he couldn’t play against them as he is on loan from the Ibrox club.
Utility player Paul Paton is expected to recover from a bout of sickness to play and he is happy to welcome O’Halloran back.
Paul said: “Mikey gives us a different dimension with his pace. He is a real threat because of that and with his goals.
“There will be a big crowd at Murrayfield and a big atmosphere and that will suit us.”
Paul felt the 3-0 defeat against Rangers “was not a 3-0 game”.
He went on: “It was disappointing to lose by that margin as, at 1-0 down, we had chances.
“Steven Anderson was sent off at 1-0 and that gave Rangers the momentum.
“He’s been great for us and losing him was a blow.
“We attacked Rangers, had a real go at them, and played well.
“Hopefully, we can do the same against Hearts and get a good result.”
Pa u l is part of the Northern Ireland set-up which means he doesn’t get a break when internationals come up.
However, he’s happy to be involved, stating national team boss Michael O’Neill is “great with me”.