Tommy is happy to see glove rivals thrive

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright believes his goalkeepers bring the best out in each other.

The McDiarmid Park boss has always said he has two No 1 stoppers in Perth with Alan Mannus and Zander Clark.

Mannus currently occupies the gloves and Wright said: “Zander got in last year after Alan was ill and did great for 30-odd games before being injured. Alan responded extremely well and it shows what a good professional he is.

“Zander then started in Europe but I hadn’t really made up my mind on who would start in the league. But that decision was taken out of my hands with Zander picking up an injury.

“Alan has been excellent again this season. He works hard and is very reliable.

“They both know the situation and I genuinely don’t think there’s anything between them. They bring the best out in each other.”

Mannus has returned from international duty along with Paul Paton for this weekend’s home game against Hibernian.

Wright expects the Easter Road men to be challenging at the top end of the Premiership.

He said:“Hibs have a good squad. The size of the club is evident in their recruitment over the summer, adding to a squad that was good enough to win the Championship and get to a cup semi-final.

“They have depth and quality. So you’d imagine they will have a good season.

“You could argue they are in a position to challenge the teams which finished second and third last year.”

Blair Alston will miss out for Saints but Murray Davidson is fit again.