The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Thomson desperate for European adventure
Craig Thomson has had a taste of Europe with St Johnstone and now wants to savour all that continental competition has to offer.
The super sub came off the bench at Pittodrie on Saturday to help create Saints’ opening goal for Danny Swanson then score the second – his first for the club - in their terrific 2-0 win over Aberdeen.
As a teenager, the now 22-year-old Thomson was with the St Johnstone squad that flew to Switzerland to face Luzern then to Slovakia to face Spartak Trnava in 2014.
Thomson loved the experience then and is looking for more next season if, or hopefully when, Saints book their place in the first qualifying round draw on June 19.
It would be a remarkable turnaround for the midfielder, who was expecting to stay out on loan at Stranraer until he was recalled by Wright in January.
Thomson said: “We have all been talking about Europe and what it would mean to the lads.
“As soon as we got into that fourth spot we didn’t want to lose it and now we are six clear with four to play. It looks like another three points would do it for us.
“It is a great experience for everyone, being in Europe. I was in Luzern in Switzerland and also went to Slovakia when we faced Spartak Trnava.
“I even made it on to the bench in Luzern (although not listed as a sub) and that definitely gave me a taste for it.
“So it would be brilliant if I could manage to make an appearance in Europe. That would be absolutely massive for me but we have to make sure we get there first.
“I never expected to be coming back into Saints but I just got my head down, worked hard and it has started to pay off in the last few weeks as I’ve gotten on as a sub.”