Foster ready for three huge tests after signing on
Defender pens new deal in Perth
St Johnstone defender Richard Foster has labelled the club’s next three games“huge”as the top six race heats up.
The 33-year-old full-back was speaking after penning a contract extension this week which keeps him at McDiarmid Park until May 2020.
Saints are looking to recover from a run of five games without a win, starting with Rangers on Saturday before home matches against Aberdeen and Hibernian.
Foster is content with the Perth side’s current position of sixth and is now targeting another positive run of results to enter the closing stages of the season on a high.
“I think we’ve had a good season so far,” Foster said. “Obviously we were unlucky to have been drawn against Celtic in both cup competitions and lost but in the league it’s going well.
“We had that great unbeaten and clean sheet run which saw us climb up the table and I think looking at the position we’re in now it’s good.
“We’re four points ahead of Motherwell, five ahead of Hibs, going into what I think are three huge games for our season.
“If we can get the points that we want out of the next run of games then I think it will stand us in good stead for finishing the season strongly and in the top six.”
Foster, who is closing in on 100 appearances for the club, was thrilled to put pen to paper on a new contract this week and reckons there is a nice mix of experience and youth in the squad.
“I’m delighted to get it over the line,” Foster said. “Whenever you’re into the final few months of your contract it can get a bit nervy but it’s great to have it sorted.
“The club said they wanted to keep me for next season and for me that’s great.
“I think we’ve got a good balance in the squad. The manager brought in a few new and younger faces this summer but what they lack in experience they Foster has penned a new contract with St Johnstone
make up for in raw talent and attacking quality.
“It blends well with the more experienced players like Liam Craig, Murray Davidson and myself.”
Saints boss Tommy Wright says signing Foster on a longer deal is another piece of the jigsaw puzzle for next season.
“I’m really pleased to have Richard signed up again for next year,” Wright said. “It’s been verbally agreed for a while now but it’s now all signed off.
“He’s had a good season - as have the majority of our defenders - and he’s at
an age where he adds a lot of experience to the squad which is vital.
“Richard has a wealth of experience playing for big clubs and has played in both Scotland and England.
“On and off the pitch he’s been important for us and I’m sure he’ll continue to play a big part for the remainder of this season and into next year.
“He’s in really good shape and he’s a fantastic professional. He’s a winner and I’m really pleased as it’s another piece of the jigsaw puzzle in place for next season.”