The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
McMillan happy all eyes are on Watt
Striker takes advantage as Accies defenders focus on ex-Celtic hitman
HAMILTON ACCIES 1 ST JOHNSTONE 2
David McMillan isn’t complaining that Tony Watt is the St Johnstone striker everybody has been talking about in the first few weeks of the season.
Because the former Celtic man’s reputation is helping him score goals himself.
McMillan was able to ghost in at the back post unmarked in first-half stoppage time to head home the crucial second goal that ultimately secured the Perth men three points at Hamilton.
And the ex-Dundalk forward believes Accies defenders may have had their focus elsewhere.
“If Tony takes the attention of more than one defender it probably suits me,” said McMillan.
“You could see that with my goal. Eyes were probably on him and I’ve been able to sneak round the back and score.”
With Tommy Wright deploying a lone striker for the first two league games (Watt), it was starting to look as if McMillan might have to wait a while for his Premiership chance.
But the fact that the two games he has started with Watt have both resulted in wins will help his cause for staying in the side and forming a long-running partnership with the summer signing. “It’s working well,” said McMillan. “It will depend on the opposition because the manager is open to changing the system, but I think we’ve shown we can play together.
“I played a few of the League Cup games and I was eager to get my first start in the league. I was happy to get that last week against Dundee and I felt I contributed well to the game.
“I got a start again today and all I can do is try and put myself in the manager’s mind for when he’s picking the next team against Aberdeen.
“Tony started so well and scored a lot of goals. He’s a real handful.
“I feel that I can play off him a bit. There are other options for the manager and I have to keep working hard to stay in the team. I’ve shown that I can get opportunities. I haven’t taken them all but I think that I’ve got goals in me.”
As well as his goal, McMillan also played a part in the Saints opener. Keeper Gary Woods could only parry his header to the feet of Blair Alston, who had a simple finish.
Two goals in eight minutes before half-time decided this game and even Rakish Bingham’s strike midway through the second period didn’t put the result in any serious jeopardy.
McMillan added: “We made it difficult for ourselves in the end but we’re delighted to come away with another win.
“Their goal put us on the back foot a bit but we defended really well in the last 15 minutes and it was a good day’s work.”
Saints are making a habit of winning against a Premiership side renowned for the battling qualities.
“It’s never easy coming here,” said
Perth boss Wright.
“We passed the ball well and defended when we had to. If I’m being honest, we were wasteful in the second half when we got into a number of great positions.
“We should have been more than 2-0
“I’m pleased with how we played and pleased with a great three points. TOMMY WRIGHT
in front but we saw the game out pretty comfortably after they got it back to 2-1.
“I’m pleased with how we played and pleased with a great three points. When you get a win at Hamilton, it’s well earned.”
The result feeds into a real feelgood factor at McDiarmid Park.
“It’s been a great week and a great transfer window,” said Wright.
“I went into work on Friday expecting to tidy up the Ross Callachan one and I got the wee man (Danny Swanson) back as well.
“I got a phone call at four o’clock to say he was available, I told the chairman and he said ‘get it done’.
“It was too good a chance to turn down. Danny says he’s fit. He’ll need game time and we might play him in the reserves on Monday.
“I probably said I wouldn’t take him back but he’s a quality player and some players are suited to certain clubs and managers.
“We’ve had a good window because the players we’ve already signed have hit the ground running and I think we’ve added two more who will really strengthen the squad.”
Wright praised Steve Brown for backing his vision for this season and beyond.
He said: “Going back to last January, I spoke with the chairman about how we wanted to take the club forward. I needed to be sure that he wanted to take the club forward and he does.
“So we identified what we needed to do – bring the age of the squad down, get pace and mobility in the team and get people who are comfortable on the ball.
“At the minute we’ve ticked all those boxes but we’re not getting carried away.”