Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Wright: MacLean ‘brings so much’
STEVEN MacLean netted the winner for St Johnstone against Hibs at Easter Road in their last outing and the striker is eager to get going again tomorrow when Saints face Kilmarnock at home.
He has been a valuable player for the McDiarmid Park team and Saints boss Tommy Wright said he is “delighted” with Steven’s contribution.
Tommy commented: “It is easy to knock strikers when they are not scoring but Steven brings so much to the team.
“He’s a leader who brings other players into the game and his winning goal against Hibs was a real poacher’s goal.
“He anticipated where the ball was going to land when it rebounded and was on hand to net the winner.
“Steven has a real poacher’s instinct which we benefit from. He is a key player for us.
“Steven is on the wrong side of 30 but he looks after himself and that is one of the reasons as to why he is still playing well at this level. He is an important player for us and can be so again tomorrow.”
Saints go into the game minus injured defenders Brian Easton and Aaron Comrie but everyone else is fit.
Kilmarnock are unbeaten in their last six away games, a fact Tommy and his players are well aware of.
He went on: “This will be a tough match. Their manager, Stevie Clarke, will have them well coached and organised. That’s been proved with the great away shows they have had.”