Swanson still vital for Saints, insists Wright

Boss has no qualms playing Hibs-bound playmaker

Hibernian-bound Danny Swanson still has a vital part to play in St Johnstone’s push for Europe, according to boss Tommy Wright.

The former Dundee United playmaker, who has scored 14 goals for Saints this season, signed a pre-contract with Hibs a couple of weeks ago.

Wright had no qualms about playing him against Aberdeen, with Swanson repaying his manager by scoring the opening goal in the 2-0 win.

“I have no problems with Danny,” said Wright. “I have watched him closely in training and it is obvious he is keen to play. He wants to finish the season on a high.

“Danny had moments of quality for both our goals at Aberdeen. He has been an important player for us this season.”

Steven MacLean and David Wotherspoon have both shaken off knocks to be available for tomorrow’s clash with Celtic.

Chris Millar is out, while Chris Kane should be back for next weekend’s clash with Partick Thistle.

Wright said: “It’s good to have Macca available. He has been getting goals, his link-up play has been excellent and he has come up with assists.

“But our success this season has again been down to the strength of our squad.”

Wright admits Saints will be written off facing Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops side, which has been undefeated all season.

But he insisted: “We go there with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“Celtic have been outstanding and they haven’t taken their eye off the ball all season. They have had a high level of consistency and have been getting goals from all over the pitch.

“But we have to find a way of limiting them and creating chances of our own.”

Wright isn’t getting caught up in worrying about who Brendan Rodgers might leave out of his starting line-up.

“Brown’s suspended so Biton will come in,” he said. “Lustig is being rested so Gamboa will come in. They’ll still be strong.

“Brendan has got a depth of talent that is the envy of every manager in the league. The fact that the league was won a while ago and they’re still striving to win games shows what we can expect.

“Whatever eleven he chooses it will be a difficult game and it won’t make any difference to how we approach it.

“They’ll be strong favourites.”

PPA. Danny Swanson celebrates his goal – his 14th of the season – against Aberdeen last week.