Wright satisfied with learning

ST JOHNSTONE 0 ABERDEEN 3

St Johnstone might have liked a preBaltics boost but they didn’t get one as Aberdeen ran out comfortable winners in Saturday’s friendly, writes Ian Roache.

Saints fly out to Lithuania this week needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the second leg of their Europa League first qualifying round tie against FK Trakai.

With so much work to do on Thursday night, it was understandable that they left out so many first-choice players in this run-out at McDiarmid Park.

The Pittodrie men didn’t reciprocate, however, and their starting line-up was packed full of familiar faces.

Aberdeen took the lead through Adam Rooney – a gift of a goal from home player Jason Kerr – then a Ryan Christie header made it 2-0 just a minute before half-time. Sub Bruce Anderson made it three with just four minutes to go.

Saints had a youthful look to them and making his debut for the Perth men was new signing Callum Hendry, the son of former Scotland captain Colin.

The 19-year-old striker, who was freed by Blackburn Rovers, got the last 10 minutes as a replacement for Chris Kane and manager Tommy Wright was satisfied with what he saw from his new recruit, who has signed a one-year deal at McDiarmid.

“Callum has signed but had to play as a trialist because international clearance wasn’t through,” said Wright. “We are pleased to get him. “He certainly has a good leap on him and probably gets that from his father.

“He is a young player who has had an injury that has probably hampered his career but he is now fully fit and has a chance to make a career for himself.”

As for the game itself, Wright felt it served its purpose despite the scoreline.

The Saints boss said: “It was a worthwhile exercise. Managers will say that the result in these games doesn’t matter but I was disappointed with the first goal and young Jason will learn from that.

Callum Hendry: signed a one-year deal with Saints but played as a trialist on Saturday as the club await international clearance.