Davidson still in hunt for Gilmour
Saints boss keen to sign midfielder
CALLUM DAVIDSON has revealed that St Johnstone are still hopeful of doing a deal for former Arsenal youngster Charlie Gilmour.
The Scotland youth international is back training with Saints after a successful trial period.
Ahead of St Johnstone’s match with Aberdeen tonight, Davidson said: “I hope to get something sorted with Charlie later this week. He’s missed a bit of football but is one for the future.
“He played in the Europa League with Arsenal, went to Norwich and then to Holland but has lost his way a bit. He’s got good size and is very good technically, so he’s the kind of player we want to bring in.
“We looked at him before but the timing wasn’t right. I looked at it with the chairman and we have a bit of a gap with our midfielders because we have a few older ones then it’s Ali McCann.
“So Charlie coming in would give us another young one in there and a good balance.
“He’s the kind of player the club has done well with in the past, plus he’s got Scottish connections so is very keen to come up here and play.
“Hopefully we get it sorted and then crack on with getting the best out of him.”
Davidson was quick to hail Rangers loanee Glenn Middleton, who has moved to Perth until the end of the season.
After Middleton’s first training session with the Perth side Davidson told: “Glenn is slightly different to what I have, he’s got good pace, he’s direct and has good delivery so he adds another option.
“He can play wide on the
left or right, so with him and Michael O’Halloran we have that directness whereas Craig Conway and David Wotherspoon are more technical.
“So it’s a good mix we have now. It’s a big move for him, he had a few other offers so I’m delighted he decided to come here.
“It has just been difficult for him to break through and establish himself there right now. He’s hungry and that’s one of the things I was keen on, he wants to come here and really do well.”
Saints are also close to tying down stalwart David Wotherspoon on a new deal with his current contract coming to an end in the summer.
Davidson explained: “David is close to agreeing, things are positive there. Barring any massive hiccups that will be sorted and that would be great news because he’s been excellent this season.”
Meanwhile, Derek McInnes admits it is no surprise to see Rangers-bound Scott Wright facing a backlash from the Aberdeen support.
The Pittodrie winger has agreed a pre-contract agreement with the Light Blues and will join Steven Gerrard’s squad this summer.
And a furious section of fans have made their feelings known after seeing the academy product announce his intention to join their bitter Ibrox rivals, just as Ryan Jack did in 2017.
“I can’t be surprised by that,” he said after being asked about the online abuse that Wright had received in light of the deal. “I’m pretty sure Scott would have anticipated that as well.
“That’s something he has to deal with. I’m not surprised that a section of the supporters have voiced their feelings towards that as it is a tough one to take.”