Combative midfielder could help Davidson avoid further struggle

St Johnstone may have escaped relegation on the last day of their season but the turnaround before the next campaign is a short one.

And there are key issues for manager Callum Davidson to ponders in his summer squad transformation.

The return to form of Jamie McCart was one of the biggest reasons Saints improved after the turn of the year

That he was missing for the second play-off leg was a huge cause of concern for fans arriving at McDiarmid Park.

John Mahon had impressed in his substitute appearances but replacing McCart in the most important game of the season was the ultimate test of his ability and character.

Mahon’s positional sense and reading of the game was superb.

Liam Gordon organised like a defensive rock and captain should, heading away everything that was launched in his direction.

And Dan Cleary would have no doubt impressed the watching Jason Kerr with his runs to link defence and attack.

Now that Saints have emerged the other side of the play-offs as a top flight club, Davidson could not have wished for better.

McCart will be leaving and he has seen a new back-three perform brilliantly together.

The key summer signing is a robust, athletic, combative central midfielder.

Murray Davidson should be retained and will help out in that regard.

Melker Hallberg ended up almost as an auxiliary forward as opposed to a box-to-box midfielder and Cammy MacPherson is another player in that area showing he can support the attack.

Also, David Wotherspoon should be back, if not at the start of the season then close to it. Then there’s Max Kucherivayi, who will hopefully supplement Davidson’s options in that area.

With a younger Davidson-type and a younger Liam Craig-type added into the mix, midfield can be a source of St Johnstone strength again.

Where would they be without Callum Hendry?

Nine goals scored after returning from his Kilmarnock loan was an incredible tally.

Hendry deserves to be acclaimed as one of the most important players of the Davidson era.

It is likely he will move to England.

Stevie May has showed his race isn’t yet run and Davidson has been encouraged by Theo Bair’s progress.

However, Glenn Middleton has played his last game for Saints, as has Nadir Ciftci and Michael O’Halloran may move on in search of regular football as well.

Melker Hallberg, left, showed his attacking prowess.