Saints find ‘ideal’ preparation

ST JOHNSTONE: Perth boss praises ‘top manager’ ahead of Rugby Park clash

St Johnstone have escaped the snow and the wind by training under the roof of Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, writes Eric Nicolson.

Preparing on the artificial surface at the Oriam will be ideal ahead of a trip to Kilmarnock tomorrow night, according to manager Tommy Wright.

And the Saints boss believes there is a strong case to build another indoor facility to cater for a large part of east, central Scotland that has been neglected.

“It’s a great facility,” he said. “And we are fortunate to have got access to a full pitch for two days.”

“Part of our own artificial pitch has been cleared of snow and we got in some training on Saturday. But if you clear it too often you can damage it,” Wright added.

“Because we are playing on an artificial surface at Kilmarnock if anything this will actually help our preparations for the game.

“It’s just a pity in this day and age there isn’t an indoor facility like this or the ones at Toryglen, Ravenscraig and Aberdeen in our part of the country. I’m sure there is a good business model.

“More indoor facilities spread around the country are part of Project Brave and I’d certainly prefer to see any money spent on them rather than things like VAR.”

Killie are strong favourites to take the last top six place after the Premiership split and Wright can see similarities between the Ayrshire men and his own side.

“They have done very well since Steve (Clarke) has come in,” he said.

“He is a top manager. I watched them at Aberdeen on Saturday. It wasn’t a great game on that surface and the wind didn’t help either. But they are extremely well organised and they don’t give much away.

“They have quality but they stay in games and work hard for each other and when they don’t have the ball. That is exemplary and explains why they have been on such a good run.

“They actually remind me of ourselves when we are at our best. We just haven’t produced the levels we expect enough times this season.

“It is going to be a tough game, we know that. But so do Kilmarnock and we are looking forward to getting playing and picking up again after a disappointing result against Rangers.

“We have beaten them and they beat us in Perth. I just hope everyone can turn up and we don’t have any mishaps and a repeat of ‘Cargate.’

“All we are concentrating on right now is trying to get past the team above us. That’s Motherwell. They are five points ahead and this is our game in hand. So that is the priority.

“Kilmarnock are seven ahead of us right now. If they win to make it 10 points with five games before the split obviously that would make it difficult to turn around for that final top six place.

“So it is a big game for both clubs and you would expect that at this stage of the season.”

Kris Boyd is grabbing a lot of the glory at the moment but Killie are no one-man team.

“He is being helped by the fact the team is doing well,” said Wright.

“He is a natural goalscorer and has scored goals throughout his career.

“Boydie is obviously a danger but they have other players in that bracket.

“They are a side that is playing with confidence but we feel we can go there and get a result.

“Steven MacLean misses out because it is an artificial surface. Scott Tanser is the only one who will come back in. None of the other injured players are available.”

Wright revealed that January transfer target Rory McKenzie is still a man he would like to recruit in the summer.

He said: “We agreed terms with Rory in January but Kilmarnock didn’t want to release him and that is their prerogative.

“I am still confident we can get Rory for next season. I still want him.

“That hasn’t changed and the lad is still keen on coming to St Johnstone for next season.”

Tommy Wright insists St Johnstone’s preparations for the Rugby Park clash have been helped by training on their own artificial surface.