St Johnstone striker ready to go again

Ross County have spent a bit of money... STEVEN MacLEAN

St Johnstone striker Steven MacLean doesn’t put up a fight anymore to play on plastic pitches.

The experienced forward hasn’t been risked on artificial surfaces for the last couple of seasons under medical advice.

He used to rail against it, but now MacLean is in no doubt that doctor’s and manager’s orders won’t be changing.

“I don’t even think about it these days,” the former Rangers and Aberdeen man said ahead of his return to the team against Ross County. “I know I won’t be playing on artificial pitches.

“The gaffer didn’t even speak to me this time. I used to argue with him a bit but last week he was asking me if I was coming to watch the game!

“Because it was a quick turnaround after the Aberdeen game it didn’t feel as bad.”

Watching his team-mates get an away point certainly helped ease MacLean’s frustrations in the Hamilton Accies main stand.

He said: “It ended up a decent second half performance and a decent point, especially as we’d been playing on Thursday night.

“Yes we wanted to win it but we were happy to take a point.”

“It says a lot that it was us who were pushing for the win at the end.

“We’re a fit bunch. It shows character as well. That’s one thing that will never be questioned in this squad.”

Saints didn’t manage to take second position on Sunday but they maintained their early season momentum with the come-from-behind late draw.

The Perth men face Ross County away today, which is one of the toughest challenges of the season.

“It’s been a good start,” MacLean said.

“We were a bit unfortunate in the cup but we’ve picked up some good results in the league.

“If we can win at County it will be an even better start.

“You look at the top-four teams – Rangers, Celtic, Hearts and Aberdeen – we’ll be looking to challenge, but they should be top four given their budgets.

“Ourselves and Ross County will be trying to get fifth and sixth spots, as will a few other clubs.

“Ross County have spent a bit of money and they’ll definitely be pushing for top six.

“This is one of the tougher games in the league but we’re looking to take all three points.”

A familiar face to MacLean from his Ibrox days signed for County this week: Chris Burke.

He said: “Burkey was in my youth team, then reserves.

“I think I broke into the first team just before him. He’s certainly a good player. He’s had an excellent career.

“It’s a good signing for him, especially if he’s ready to go.

“I believe he was training with Kilmarnock. He might be thrown in on Saturday.”

The Rangers conveyor belt of talent was working well back in MacLean and Burke’s day.

“There were a few players at Ibrox around that time who have gone on to have good careers,” he said. “There was Burkey, Charlie Adam, Ross McCormack, Stephen Dobbie and plenty of others.

“Me and Allan McGregor went through the same boys’ clubs and stayed in digs together.

“We were the old brigade who had to wear a shirt and tie every day and be clean-shaven.

“John Brown and John McGregor were good for us as young boys. We certainly didn’t lack discipline.

“And we had some very good players as well.

“The players in the first team were unbelievable. Maybe wee Burkey got more of a chance because when he was coming in some of the experienced boys were getting phased out.

“They were getting more of a chance than us.”

Richard Foster is likely to miss out on a clash with his old club but Chris Millar should be available.