HE’S A BIT OF ALL WRIGHT
Boss impressed by on-trial frontman
Wright has been impressed with Arthur Njo-Lea St Johnstone trialist Arthur Njo-Lea has given manager Tommy Wright “food for thought” after impressing in Austria.
The 22-year-old Swiss forward played in the weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Croatia’s NK Osijek, who are preparing for European competition.
Trialist goalkeeper Dean Lyness was also given game time in the second half and looked set for a clean sheet before conceding in the last minute.
Njo-Lea has most recently been playing his football with Excelsior Virton in Belgium but was previously at Rennes and Lausanne.
“He showed up well. He was quick and lively,” said Wright.
“Considering he only arrived on the Thursday and didn’t know any of the lads, he can be pleased with his performance.
“He’s certainly given us food for thought. We’re looking at other targets as well.
“Hopefully we’ll have made one or two signings in the next couple of weeks. And Dean did well too but we’ll take our time.”
Wright was not concerned about the 3-0 defeat against NK Osijek and believes the result needs to be put into perspective.
“We were facing a quality team who are two weeks ahead of us,” he said. “They are getting ready for the Europa League. They were way ahead in terms of match fitness.
“We did a double session the day before – probably our hardest of the trip. We actually trained after it as well. We got out of it what we wanted.
“There were a couple of goals that could have been avoided in the first half but we were better in the second half and created chances.
“There were definitely a lot more positives than negatives to take out of it.”
The Austrian training camp has provided the perfect platform for hard work as Saints limber up for the new season.
And Wright said: “The location is stunning, the pitches are superb and the gym facilities are on the site. It’s exactly what we wanted.
“The lads have been working extremely hard.”
Striker Callum Hendry and midfielder Kyle McClean were nursing minor injuries picked up in Austria but nothing to concern the Perth boss.
Brian Easton has continued to make progress with Wright confirming he was able to play a part in training during the Austria trip.
“We’ve had a couple of niggles,” Wright said. “Callum Hendry took a knock in the game and wasn’t able to train yesterday but we’re hopeful he’ll be back with us today or tomorrow.
“Kyle McClean has got a wee strain and might miss a few days’ training.
“Brian Easton has joined in some of the sessions which is really pleasing.
“We’ll keep a close eye on him and hopefully he can step things up over the rest of the week.
“We won’t be rushing him but