MATTY WON’T DOWN TOOLS Kennedy said to be pleased with Ayr cup draw

Tommy Wright has no concerns about Matty Kennedy’s commitment while still a St Johnstone player.

The talented winger has signed a pre-contract deal with Aberdeen and remains a member of the Perth squad, although the Dons are keen to get hold of the Northern Ireland international sooner.

Wright yesterday revealed Kennedy was a happy man with the club’s fifth round Scottish Cup draw which will see Saints travel to take on Ayr United.

He hopes the 25-year-old will recover from an ankle knock for tomorrow night’s league game at Livingston and said: “He’s due to train on Monday and should be in the squad for Wednesday.

“I know people will be thinking I’ve got to say that and the conspiracy theorists will think he was left out (on Saturday) because it was the cup.

“But they don’t know Matty, he’s genuine and wants to play in every game. The first thing he said when he came in this morning was about getting Ayr in the next round of the Scottish Cup.

“He’s desperate to play in that one because he’s from there and he said that was the tie he’d been hoping for.

“So that tells you everything about what type of lad he is.

“At no point has he come to me or his agent has come to me to say he’s demanding to go in this window. Matty staying won’t be a problem.

“I always think the one thing that can affect players is uncertainty but there is no uncertainty here, he’s going to Aberdeen in the summer.

“I have been quite clear that I don’t want him to go in this window and have told the club that. But I do know everyone has their price.

“At this stage there hasn’t been an agreement between Aberdeen and us.”

While Kennedy’s future will be away from McDiarmid Park, the manager is hoping to tie down Drey Wright on a new deal.

“I can only propose things and actually advised the club to give Drey a new contract when he was out injured,” boss Wright said.

“People might think that was crazy but my way of looking at it was it helps him with his recovery because he has that security and it protects your asset for when he does come back.

“Drey wants to stay and his agent has told me that as well.

“People will say that folk say these things, but I’ve spoken to the pair of them and I trust what they’re telling me.

“He’s come up here and is enjoying his football, he thinks it has been a good move for him and sees this as the place he wants to be.

“Everyone saw how good Drey was for us before his injury and when he came back to training he was as good, if not better, than he had been.

“But what happens in nearly every case of a player who has been out for a long time, you get that initial burst when you come back and it levels off for a while.

“That has happened with Drey, but I can see him getting back to his best and he’s ready to kick on again. He’s been getting better with every game.” On tomorrow night’s opponents Livngston, Wright said: “They are having another good season, they’re a team I really admire because they can play good football.

“But equally they’re able to mix it up and be physical if that’s what is required.” Danny Swanson has returned to training after being ill last week but Wright revealed central defender Madis Vihmann is likely to leave in the January transfer window.