Davidson could make timely Saints return

ST JOHNSTONE: Experienced midfielder back in training to boost options for boss

Liam Craig’s suspension for St Johnstone’s clash with St Mirren on Saturday could be offset by the return of Murray Davidson.

Perth boss Callum Davidson made no attempt to disguise his disappointment that the former Hibs and Falkirk man talked himself into a post-match red card from referee John Beaton in the wake of the stoppage-time Hibs defeat.

And with a space opening up in the middle of the park this weekend as a result, another experienced midfielder in the Saints squad could be the man to fill it.

An Achilles injury prevented Davidson from featuring in the first five games of the season but his comeback may not be far away.

“It’s obviously disappointing that Liam got sent off,” said the Saints manager.

“It will be a chance for somebody else to come in. I might alter the formation a bit.

“Murray is back training again so hopefully I’ll have a full squad to pick from other than

Liam. Murray will get another few days’ training this week.

“We’ll get a good week into all the ones who are coming back.

“It would be good to have a couple of choices to make. It will be nice to be able to look at the bench and make positive changes.”

Meanwhile, Davidson has told his players to “keep the faith” after they failed to get the result their performance deserved in back-to-back home matches.

“The second half is up there with the best we’ve played so far,” he said.

“The tempo was there and we created a few chances. With performances like that results will come.

“As disappointed as the lads are at the last two results, it’s important that we keep the faith and understand that we’re doing the right things.

“I would have been more disappointed and worried if we’d lost, played badly and struggled to do anything in the game.

“The energy levels were really good. For them to go up in the second half after playing on Thursday night was a promising sign.”

Saints are eighth in the Premiership table with one win from five games and are one point ahead of Hamilton and two in front of Motherwell, Kilmarnock and Livingston.