The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Saints will be ready for Europe, says Kane
ST JOHNSTONE: Striker upbeat over Saints’ chances of progress in Europe next season
St Johnstone’s Armenian experience won’t affect their belief that this can be the Perth club’s most successful European campaign, according to Chris Kane.
But it will serve as a reminder that there is no easing yourself into the competition.
Saints were big favourites to overcome Alashkert two years ago but a combination of the intense heat in the away leg, introducing a few new players into the side and missed chances saw them exit the Europa League early.
Kane, whose goal at Pittodrie got them into the competition that year, is confident that this time they can hit the ground running.
He said: “The boys are delighted that we’ve got the chance in Europe again.
“Obviously you want to win as many games as you can, and get as far as you can in the competition. But we know it will be hard.
“The teams you come up against are always tough opposition. The manager and his staff will study the teams and we should be confident going into the games. I came on for the last 15 minutes away from home against Alashkert and then at home played 90 minutes.
“We had loads of chances and created a lot. It was a bad result for us and it was a game that we were looking to get through from. We’ll not want to repeat a night like that so I’m sure all the boys will be looking forward to the first game.”
It was an encouraging end to the season for Kane, who returned from injury and scored the winner against Hearts in the penultimate match of the campaign.
“The manager spoke to me before the Hearts game to tell me I was starting and I was delighted with that,” he said.
“I managed to get my mum and dad along who don’t usually watch and then managed to get the goal, which I was over the moon with.
“I was delighted to start again against Rangers but it was just unfortunate that I picked up a head knock. I’m fine now and that is the main thing.”
Kane added: “I had my holidays booked when we’re in Europe so I’ve changed the flights. I’m getting away for a couple of weeks still.
“I’ll come back strong and raring to go. Two weeks will be enough for me, and I’m sure all the boys will be raring to go too. When I first came to this club I was 15 years old. I think it was the second year of being in the SPL.
“You aren’t expecting it to be as good as it has been in the past five years. The boys have been brilliant and it’s excellent for the club and fans.
“All the boys gel together in the changing room and the training is always good. Everything about the club is good.
“I don’t see why the success can’t continue. Most of the boys are still signed and I’m sure we can continue to do the same.”