Parish putting pressure on Saints No 1 Clark says gaffer Davidson

ZANDER Clark will have a battle on his hands to get straight back into the St Johnstone team if Elliott Parish maintains his Rugby Park standards, according to Perth boss Callum Davidson.

The former Dundee goalkeeper was a calming presence behind a new-look back five against Kilmarnock at the weekend and produced a number of excellent saves, the pick of them being to deny Chris Burke in the first half.

Clark is closing in on a return to fitness after picking up a knee injury in pre-season training but an immediate place in the Saints starting line-up is not guaranteed.

“If Elliott performs like that he is putting pressure on Zander,” said Davidson.

“I was delighted with his performance on Saturday.

“He has been good since he’s come in and he saved us a bit at the weekend. I said to him after that he helped get us the points. When we needed him he produced the saves. That allowed us to get the victory.

“Hopefully he can continue to perform like that. He also talks very well, which is one of his strengths.”

Meanwhile, Davidson revealed that Michael O’Halloran’s positive reaction in training to his red card on the first day of the season at Tannadice convinced him to recall the forward after he his one-game suspension.

And the manager’s faith was rewarded with an injury-time winner.

“I was pleased for Mikey to get the goal for the lads,” said Davidson. “He was feeling guilty about his sending off against Dundee United.

“Mikey’s work-rate and enthusiasm since I’ve come in have been fantastic.”

St Johnstone back-up goalkeeper Elliott Parish.