It’s Scou early to let Stef loose but he will light up the league when he’s fit
Stefan Scougall may miss out on a first Euro start on Thursday for St Johnstone.
But boss Tommy Wright insists he’ll take Scottish football, not just Saints, by storm this season.
The former Livingston and Sheffield United playmaker looks set to make the bench for their Europa League opener against FK Trakai.
And Wright insisted: “Scougall will definitely be ready for the second leg.
“Unfortunately, he was on holiday and we didn’t have him signed in time to start pre-season with us.
“He’ll certainly figure on Thursday but it might be too early.
“It will depend on how many minutes we get into him.
“He’s finished at the start of May in England, so he’s had a longer break and even though he has kept himself fit, his fitness will be a wee bit off.
“The danger is you push and push them to get fit for this one game in Europe and he breaks down. That can happen to any player.
“We’ve just got to be cautious with him but from what I have seen in training I think he’ll bring something not only to our team but something to the league as well.
“He’s strong, he’s quick, he has very good feet.
“He goes past people very well and is one of those players who will get people on the edge of their seats.
“The league will suit him as well because I have watched some League One football down south. I know we sometimes get called a long-ball team – but it’s 6ft 3in giants there, hit the ball long, getting up to the second ball.
“There’s nothing wrong with that but for a player of his type and stature, I don’t think League One is a league where he can get the best out of himself.
“Scottish football, because there is more football played, will help him.”
Wright insists bringing in Scougall is just his first statement of intent as Saints seek to retain their top-four spot in what he believes will be the toughest test yet.
He said: “I say it every year but I genuinely believe it is.
“Derek McInnes staying at Aberdeen, they have kept one of the best managers they’ve had, it looks as if they are going to splash the cash and Derek has earned that right.
“Celtic are on another level, Rangers have spent, I’m sure that Hearts will look to improve. Hibs coming back into the league.
“A lot of people look at it and think there is only one place up for grabs in the top six.
“I’d probably say there are four places up for grabs and we can still be in there fighting to get into the top six.
“We’ve shown our intent by bringing Scougall in and I think there will be more to come.
“The chairman wants to strengthen the team and to do that we are going to have to bring in a bit more quality, not just a squad player.”