Strength in depth adds new challenge for team

Patience will be required for St Johnstone players not used to being on the fringes, such is the strength in depth at McDiarmid Park this season.

First-team regulars of the past will find themselves on the bench – or even in the stand – over the next few months and assistant manager Alex Cleland knows from his own playing career the mental challenge that can pose.

“There is quality on the bench and among the players who were left out against Aberdeen,” said Cleland.

“That can only be a good thing for us as a team.

“It’s going to be harder for the players to get into the side and I think they recognise that.

“I have been there myself in my playing days.

“We have to try to keep them happy. You have to worry about them, keeping them fit, positive and interested. You train all week to be in that team. So it is hard missing out. I know that feeling.

“I found myself in that position myself at Everton when I had been injured under Walter Smith and Archie Knox and then David Moyes.

“I found myself well down the pecking order.

“The other Scottish boys like David Weir, Scot Gemmill and Gary Naismith were there for me.

“The door was always open to the manager or the assistant and I made sure I kept my head up and trained well.

“That’s what the lads here have to do. Opportunities do come along and you have to take them.”

Cleland, a former Rangers player, will be trying to find a way to get the better of his old club on Sunday.

He said: “As an assistant you start to think about the game and players early on in the week. That’s what the gaffer wants.

“There are a few new players here so I might throw in my ideas for a team and formations – but ultimately the gaffer makes the decisions.

“We watched Rangers in the European game they won 1-0 against Ufa. They look good and it’s another test for Tommy, myself and our team.

“But we are also a different team from last season and we have certainly improved. And we think there is more to come.”