Swiss striker to join Saints for tour trial

Tommy Wright has invited a Swiss striker to St Johnstone’s Austrian training camp, it has emerged.

Former Rennes and Lausanne forward Arthur Njo Lea, 22, played for Excelsior Virton in the Belgian Second division last season, scoring 12 goals in 28 games.

Saints have two games lined up for their seven-day trip and the trialist will get his chance to impress, with Wright keen to increase his options up front.

“I have arranged for Arthur to meet us over in Austria so we can have a look at him,” said the Perth boss.

“He’ll train with the lads and that will allow us to see what he’s like.”

“The squad is light in numbers, we know that – we have lost six senior players and only brought Drey in,” added the manager.

“So we are aware we need to add to the squad and the work on that is ongoing.”

Meanwhile, Wright has finalised his backroom team in the wake of Callum Davidson’s departure to Stoke City.

Alec Cleland will be his number two, with ex-Saint Alan Maybury returning to McDiarmid Park.

Wright said: “Alec is stepping up to assistant manager and Alan Maybury is coming in to be the reserve team, under-18s coach.

“He will also do what Alec did in the past, helping out with the first team on match days.

“I have worked closely with Alec for seven years and it’s a deserved promotion for him.

“He has been very much part of the success we’ve had so it was an easy decision.

“Alec was in the frame when Callum got the job, it was between the two of them, so this is the natural decision.

“He’s been a big part of things here, the players all know him well and respect him.

“Alan is someone I knew when I was assistant here and he was a player.

“I have always liked his views on football and he is an impressive character.

“He is an ex-St Johnstone player, which is always good, but more than that he has a wealth of experience at various clubs.

“So along with Paul Mathers and the rest of the staff, I am really pleased with the coaching structure we have in place.”