Davidson aims to send Phillips into combat for Ibrox clash

ST JOHNSTONE manager Callum Davidson hopes to unleash ‘combative’ Trinidad and Tobago international Daniel Phillips against Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday. The Perth side are close to finalising a deal for the midfielder after he impressed during a trial at McDiarmid Park following his departure from Watford earlier this summer. Davidson believes the 21-year-old can improve the Saints engine room. He said: ‘Daniel played a bounce game for us over a week ago and his fitness levels were good. ‘He’s got qualities I’ve been looking for and he will be a great addition. ‘He’s a real combative midfielder. I see him as being a brave player who will be good in one v one situations and will get about the pitch, making tackles and passing the ball well.’ Phillips was red-carded three times last season, raising questions over his discipline, but Davidson said: ‘All the red cards he got last season were two yellow cards that became red cards and he’s still a young man. I think he’s got a big future.’ St Johnstone’s Fair City Unity fans’ group are calling for a boycott of this weekend’s trip to Ibrox as they back the Twenty’s Plenty campaign that aims to cap ticket prices for all Scottish football matches at £20. And boss Davidson admits he sympathises with young fans who feel priced out of football amid the mounting cost-ofliving crisis. Asked if he appreciated the stance being taken by the fans’ group, he replied: ‘Definitely. You look at the price of petrol as well. It’s not just the cost of a ticket. ‘We want young people to come to games across Scotland and we need to help them as much as we can. ‘We want young supporters through our door and following us away from home. ‘Our young fans made a real difference for us last season and there’s a bigger picture about how you keep them. ‘Look at golf — there are clubs where you get an intermediate subscription fee between the ages of 18 and 23 so it’s not one big jump to full adult fees. It’s definitely something for all clubs to look at.’