The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Wright on the right track as he targets regular spot for St Johnstone
ST JOHNSTONE: Wright says he’s on right track for return to regular selection
Drey Wright believes his “sharpness is finally returning” after the St Johnstone winger’s long injury lay-off.
The Englishman has featured in eight Saints games since coming back from knee surgery and the next step is becoming a regular starter.
“I’m happy to be back fit and in the starting line-up,” said Wright.
“That’s where I want to stay and to put in good performances. I’ve had a consistent run of games under my belt and I do feel like that bit of sharpness is finally returning.
“You spend every day in the gym doing work and the one thing you want to be doing is be outside training and then have the game at the end of the week to look forward to.
“Results haven’t been great but from a personal point of view it’s good to be back playing.”
Wright knows that holding on to his place in the Saints side is easier said than done given the options manager Tommy Wright has in forward areas.
“Up front Chris Kane knows he’s got a job on his hands to get in the team ahead of Stevie May,” he said. “Then there is Callum Hendry who has come on and made an impact a number of times.
“There’s also myself, Matty Kennedy, Mikey O’halloran, David Wotherspoon and Danny Swanson.
“There’s a lot of attacking options so it’s up to ourselves to perform well when we get the chance. We can’t let our standards drop in training because, at the end of the day, everyone wants to be in the starting line-up.
“Any new players coming in can give the place a lift and the competition for places makes people up their game. We would welcome new bodies in.”
Looking back on the recent Hibs defeat, Wright said: “It was really disappointing from our point of view, especially the manner that we conceded the goals. We felt we had turned a little corner in the Hearts game with solidity about our defending. But to lose a goal so early gave us a mountain to climb.
“All over the pitch we can be more solid, which we were in that Hearts game. Individual mistakes don’t help either.
“The first goal is so important in games and too many times this season we’ve not been the ones scoring it.
“The two results we got were pleasing for myself and the club but it was a case of one step back at the weekend.
“It’s flat the first day back in because we don’t have the focus of a game to turn our attention to. But the boys will be looking to put it right.”
Next up after a free weekend will be Aberdeen at Mcdiarmid Park next Sunday.
“We competed with Aberdeen well at their place earlier in the season,” said Wright.
“We’ve got the international break to re-assess where we’re at. We’ll put in a good week of training then hopefully give them as good a game.
“A couple of good results will change the perspective on things. We’re not getting too down looking at the table.”