The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
More still to come from McNamara – Davidson
On-loan defender’s U21s call-up was well deserved, says boss
Callum Davidson couldn’t be happier with Danny McNamara’s excellent start to life as a St Johnstone player.
But the Perth boss believes there is even better to come.
The on-loan full-back’s first few games in Scotland have all been of a high standard and have earned him a call-up for the Republic of Ireland under-21s.
The defender, who has arguably been the McDiarmid Park side’s most consistent player in their first five games, was named in Jim Crawford’s 25-man squad for a training camp next week.
Davidson, who had inside knowledge of McNamara’s talents from their time together at Millwall, said: “It’s great news for Danny and well deserved.
“It will give him a boost knowing that he’s come to us and the staff there are keeping a close eye on him. I brought him here because I know what he can do and he would be suited to Scottish football.
“He’s probably done even better than we expected so far. He’s fitted into the team really easily and his performances have been excellent.
“He knows the game, he’s an intelligent player and he’s desperate to learn.
“There is still a lot of improvement to come from him yet and hopefully we’ll see that as the season goes on.”
McNamara arrived in Perth with Lions team-mate Isaac Olaofe, who has yet to be given his first start.
“I think having Isaac here as well has helped him because when you bring young players up it’s sometimes hard for them to settle,” said Davidson.
“They live together so that gives him familiar company in the flat.
“Isaac has had to be patient so far but he’s also got a lot of qualities and his chance will come.”
McNamara’s one appearance for the Irish U-21s was last year in a 1-0 win in Armenia under now senior manager, Stephen Kenny.