Wright keeps his options open

Aaron Comrie, whom he said was“more than capable”of stepping in for regular starter Richard Foster, and fellow youngsters Ally Gilchrist, Liam Gordon and Jason Kerr – with one set to gain experience out on loan this season.

Saints have two preseason ties remaining before the opening league fixture against Kilmarnock; a closed doors clash with Dunfermline U23s today ahead of Saturday’s match against East Fife.

Wright added:“Brian Easton needs more time and hasn’t had a full pre-season. He got 45 minutes against Hartlepool and he’ll get more on Tuesday. Ally (Gilchrist) and Graham (Cummins) were missing on Saturday through illness, and Craig Thomson was coming back from an ankle injury so they weren’t available against Hartlepool.

“Ally will be out for a few days but Graham and Craig are back training.

“Zander (Clark) should start light training today and full training at the earliest the end of this week.”