‘LAST FEW MONTHS HAVE BEEN HORRIBLE’

Murray Davidson would love to stay at St Johnstone for a 14th season. The veteran Perth midfielder is one of several free agents at McDiarmid Park.

But after playing a big part in keeping Saints in the Premiership, Davidson hopes fresh terms can be agreed for a contract extension.

Davidson, who will have a chance of catching now retired Liam Craig at the top of the appearance charts, said: “I still feel fit. I’m enjoying it and I love coming into work every day.

“If the club wants me, I would be delighted to sit down and speak to them.

“I think this was my 13th year. Hopefully we can sort something out as the club means a lot to me.

“I’ve been here a long time now and a big part of it is enjoying coming into work. The club has always been brilliant to me and hopefully somewhere along the line I have repaid that.

“I have a lot of feelings towards the club. I have had so many good times. In an ideal world, I will be here next season.”

Davidson has known nothing but top-flight football at McDiarmid.

Saints seized their playoff lifeline but he wants to ensure that sort of peril is a one-off.

“Compared to cup finals and European games, it is so different being in a relegation battle,” said the former Scotland international.

“I take my hat off to people who are in relegation battles every year. The last three or four months have been horrible. There is pressure. Walking down the street, you are always aware of it.

“People kept saying to me the experienced boys would be a help. Yes, they are, but at the same time I had never been in this position.

“I remember the Scottish Cup final last year. I woke up so excited. No nerves. All I wanted to do was play.

“From Friday night to Monday night, you just think of the worst. The human side kicks in.

“We had a one-off game to stay in the league and anything can happen in 90 minutes. Since the Friday, all I wanted to do was get back out on the pitch to try to win the game. The main thing right now is relief.”