Mixed news for Saints captain

ST JOHNSTONE: Anderson out of Europa qualifiers but should be fit for league

The bad news for St Johnstone is Steven Anderson has been ruled out of their Europa League first qualifying round – and the second round if the Perth side get there.

But the blow of losing their captain has been balanced out by the good news that he is only expected to be out for four weeks.

And Saints boss Tommy Wright is happy to put his faith in youth for the start of the European campaign against FK Trakai on Thursday night.

Liam Gordon, Jason Kerr and Ally Gilchrist have only a handful of first team appearances between them. But the knee injury picked up by Anderson in a closed-doors friendly with Rangers is set to give one of them a chance to replace the 31-year-old at McDiarmid Park.

Wright, who had to go into the first leg of their clash with Alashkert two years ago without his first choice central defence, Anderson and Frazer Wright, said: “I have complete faith in the young players here. They have gained first team experience on loan and will be ready to step in.”

Wright confirmed Anderson’s scan carried mixed blessings.

“It’s unfortunate that he will miss the games with Trakai but we had feared the scan results could be worse,” he said.

“On the plus side we will have Ando back for the start of the league season.”

Saints rounded off their preparations with a 2-0 weekend win over Welsh side Connah’s Quay.

Blair Alston and Graham Cummins were on the mark as the Perth side followed up a 0-0 draw with Rangers and a 3-0 win over TNS.