WE’LL IGNORE SIGNINGTALK Keeper says rearguard will remain focused

Focused goalkeeper Zander Clark will be taking little notice of any potential incomings.

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has reported an interest in bringing a central defender to the club sooner rather than later.

Former Celtic defender Efe Ambrose was recently linked with a potential move to Saints to help add experience to a young backline. But Clark says the Perth players are purely interested on Aberdeen this Sunday – and are not being distracted about possible new additions.

“We don’t let it affect us in terms of speculation,” the towering shot-stopper said.

“We have got a back unit and we need to make sure we are on our game, every game, regardless of speculation.

“It is up to the boys on the park to prove a point, and if somebody did come in, they need to show they will not give up their place easily.

“It is a young back four. But each game they play as a unit, the more of an understanding they get of each other.

“Hopefully we will start to see the benefits of the run of games we’ve had.

“We need to make sure that as a back unit we are tight and give the forwards something to work off.”

Defender Liam Gordon has been continuing his recovery from a knee problem but the Aberdeen game will come too soon.

Clark knows his return in the coming weeks will be a boost and said: “It has been unfortunate for Gordy.

“It was just one of those freak accident things that happens in training. He was doing well, but now Wallace has come in and has done relatively well.

“Now it is up to him to make sure he ups his game again because now he is going to have Gordy breathing down his neck for that starting place.

“It’s always healthy competition as we’ve got Madis in there as well. So it is going to be another person added into that.

“The back two are going to have to be right at the top of their game knowing there is that competition now coming back in for places.”

Saints will need to keep it tight at the back this weekend against an Aberdeen side who have found a touch of form again.

An impressive performance by the Perth side at Pittodrie earlier in the season helped secure a 1-1 draw.