Perth manager keen to keep hold of Middleton for another campaign

CALLUM Davidson is keen to bring Glenn Middleton back to St Johnstone next season.

The on-loan Rangers forward has put on record that he would be open to the idea of a second spell with the Betfred Cup winners.

And Saints manager Davidson is of a similar mind.

Middleton has been an impressive impact substitute for the Perth side since arriving in January – his late goal against Ross County that clinched a top six Premiership place in the last game before the split being the obvious highlight.

And the former Scotland Under-21 international earned his first start in the narrow defeat to Aberdeen last weekend.

Davidson believes the dynamic attacker, who can play across the frontline, has plenty of scope for improvement and he hopes that progression can take place at McDiarmid Park over a full campaign.

“Glenn has had to be patient but he’s come off the bench against Ross County and scored the goal that got us into the top six,” said the Saints boss.

“That’s some achievement. He’s worked really hard from the day he arrived here and the more I can get him involved, the better he’ll be for us.

“But if he does unbelievably well for me in the next five or six games I probably won’t get the chance to keep him!”

Davidson added: “He’s great about the place, he wants to learn and has a really positive attitude about everything he does.

“We’ll be looking to get him more game-time and then have a conversation with Rangers about next season.

“Hopefully that’s something we can think about.

“I think he’s at the stage in his career where he now needs sustained matches.”

Middleton has been an impressive impact sub.