Wright eyes the groups

Qualifying for the Europa League group stages would be the pinnacle of Tommy Wright’s time at St Johnstone.

When asked if it was time Scotland had a team in the group stages of the Europa League, he replied: “There was only one team who qualified from round one to the group stages last year. It was one of the top Israeli sides. The year before there was only one team.

“There are over 102 teams last year who played in the first round qualifiers so out of those sides only one made it to the group stages.

“It is ridiculous. So there is a drive for Scottish clubs to do better in Europe.

“But I didn’t realise the stat and that shows you.

“So if we can achieve that it would surpass anything we have achieved, and I mean anything.

“Because if you look at it, you are going to have to play teams dropping out of the Champions League qualifiers as your play-off games. It is a difficult proposition.”