Fifers boss highlights defender’s attributes

EAST FIFE: On-loan Saint has impressed Smith during spell with Methil club

Barry Smith is reluctant to put pressure on any young player making his way in the game by forecasting a big future.

But the East Fife manager believes that in Jason Kerr St Johnstone have a centre-back with a “lot of good attributes” to progress.

Kerr has spent the last two seasons on loan at Methil, winning the League Two title and then nearly helping the club into this season’s promotion play-offs.

Perth boss Tommy Wright has been delighted with his development in Fife and Kerr has this week agreed a new two-year contract.

And Smith, a former defender himself, has also been impressed.

He said: “Jason’s been learning his trade with us under Gary (Naysmith) and then myself, and obviously Callum (Davidson) and Alec (Cleland) at St Johnstone.

“He’s got a lot of good attributes for a defender.

“The more the game becomes a battle, the more he enjoys it, which is a good sign.

“He’s more than capable of heading it, he’s got decent pace and he can make a pass.

“He has to keep learning about being a defender positionally.

“I don’t like saying a player will do this or will do that in the game because it will be down to him.

“The fact that he’s been offered a twoyear contract is a positive sign.”

Smith would love to have Kerr back for a third loan spell but Saints may have other plans for him.

“I’ve said that we would be keen to get him here again next season,” said Smith.

“St Johnstone might want him to play in the Championship but some Championship clubs don’t like playing youngsters as much. “Hopefully we can get him back.” Smith believes that the development of the likes of Kerr helps sell East Fife to Premiership clubs looking for a good home for their emerging talent.

“All of our loan players have played virtually every game,” said Smith.

“The fact that they come here and play and improve should hopefully help us get others, either from St Johnstone or elsewhere.”

SNS Group. Picture: Jason Kerr: signed a two-year deal with St Johnstone, but East Fife boss Barry Smith hopes to take him back on loan next season as he continues his development.