FORWARD THINKING
Wright’s new boys grabbing the goals
Boss Tommy Wright has been delighted with his new signings including Matty Kennedy. Pic credit: PPA St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright believes his plan to add quality in the forward department has come to fruition.
The Perth boss was speaking after watching summer signings Tony Watt and Matty Kennedy score in Saturday’s 3-1 Betfred Cup win at Forfar.
Winger Drey Wright has also impressed the Northern Irishman as Saints comfortably advanced to the knockout stage of the competition.
“I had a clear plan of what I wanted,” Wright said. “I have been looking to get more quality at the top end of the pitch since January. I think I have achieved that.
“We are still looking to get one more in. Getting through from the group stages should hopefully help us get the midfielder we want.
“David McMillan came here back in January but it’s been like having a new player after he was on the receiving end of a horrible challenge in his first game.
“He has shown he can get us goals. He is the type of striker who pops up and scores.
“Maybe at times he has done too much work outside the box but he is a finisher and the movement for his goal at Forfar was excellent.
“Watt will be a good signing if he keeps improving and gets to the level he should be at and we have Kane and Hendry as well.
“They can all play in different systems which gives me options.
“Add to that Kennedy and Wright who have settled in well and look a threat in the wide areas.
“The key is that we have looked solid in the games so far and our full-backs are getting higher up the park.
“But with due respect to the teams we have played so far, Kilmarnock will be a tougher test.”
Saints have been drawn to face Queen of the South at Palmerston in the last 16 of the Betfred Cup. Perth fans will be hoping the fixture will throw up a better afternoon than a 2-0 Scottish Cup loss at the same venue three years ago.
“The aim was to qualify as Betfred Cup group winners and hopefully be seeded,” Wright said.
“We achieved that so the players should be happy with how we have started the season.
“We have Queen of the South away next but I wasn’t too concerned with who we got out of the pot.
“We will certainly be well prepared in terms of playing on plastic pitches.
“They are a good side with a potent striker in Stephen Dobbie. But as always we will fancy our chances of getting through to the next round.
“The priority right now is getting ready for the league which is where we are always judged over the course of a season.”
Wright watched his players face off against Hearts at the Oriam in