Defender backing Saints to recover

ST JOHNSTONE: Shaughnessy says there will be no hangover after disappointing early exit from Europe

Joe Shaughnessy is sure St Johnstone’s early departure from Europe will not have a knock-on effect for the domestic season.

Having failed to progress beyond the first qualifying round of the Europa League, Saints have no Betfred Cup group games.

The result is they have to wait until August 5 for their first competitive fixture, the Premiership opener at Kilmarnock.

They have a friendly with Sunderland between now and then, and the defender expects the hole to be plugged with more.

The former Dons man insists that physical fitness and being mentally right will pose no problems.

While acknowledging that it was disappointing to go out of Europe so early, Shaughnessy has no doubt that there is enough strength in the dressing room for the players to pick themselves up.

“The focus goes back on to domestic football now, and the aim will be to challenge for the top six again,” said Shaughnessy.