Fast start has Liam loving it

Coming out of the league blocks quickly is not a familiar feeling for Liam Craig.

The St Johnstone midfielder has rarely witnessed the Perth squad sit in a lofty position in the early part of the season.

But Saints remain undefeated after four games this term following Saturday’s impressive 1-1 draw away at Scottish champions Celtic.

Perth players will enter the international break with a positive mind-set and Craig said: “We went a long time when we couldn’t win in August.

“Even when we won the First Division, I think we had maybe four points from the opening five games.

“The manager has brought in quality with Michael O’Halloran and Stefan Scougall, and now Denny Johnstone at the end of last week.

“He looked good in training and you see when he came on that he is going to be a threat.

“The squad is shaping up well and it’s nice to go into the break on 10 points and undefeated in the league. We look forward now to a tough run of games coming up after the break.”

Craig hailed his team- mates after coming agonisingly close to ending Celtic’s long-standing unbeaten domestic record.

He said: “We knew we had to be brave on and off the ball and we did that. We created chances and caused them problems.

“A lot of teams would have conceded another one or two when they equalised late on.

“Again this team has shown great character, a willingness to win games and being hard to beat. And this year we are doing it and playing decent football.

“You need your keeper to play well, which he did, and you need to keep a good shape, which we did. I don’t think you can ever be disappointed leaving Parkhead with a point.”