Wright’s positivity key to Saints’ rally

ST JOHNSTONE: Swanson in no doubt that Saints would emerge from form dip

Danny Swanson was confident St Johnstone had the quality required to bounce back from a fourgame losing streak.

And the winger knew manager Tommy Wright would get the McDiarmid ship back on an even keel because he has been over the course many times before.

Swanson has been lured to Perth three times by the Northern Irishman. But he accepted there would be more competition for places when he returned from Hibs in the summer.

So when the attacker was red-carded for lunging at James Forrest in the 6-0 thrashing from Celtic last month and picked-up a two match ban, he knew there would be no rapid return to the starting line-up.

“The gaffer is an experienced manager and he knows how to handle dips in form. He always comes out the other end,” admitted Swanson, who followed on from team-mates Tony Watt and Liam Craig by missing from the penalty spot in the 1-0 weekend win over former club Hibs.

“He is massive around the place. Tommy is always positive and that helps the boys.”

Skipper Joe Shaughnessy’s late header clocked-up a fourth successive victory for the rejuvenated Perth side.

Swanson hasn’t been surprised with the bounce back from that hammering from the Hoops.

“It has been a bit stop-start for me. It is tougher getting in the team this time round. I knew it would be that way when I signed,” he said.

“I knew how good players like Tony Watt and Matty Kennedy were and now I have seen what Drey Wright is all about.

“I had never heard of him before but he has really stood out.

“It’s what you want as a player. The stronger a squad is the better chance you have of finishing higher up the table.”

Swanson admitted the red mist descended as the Hoops ran rampant at Perth.

“I lost the head a bit and it was a really stupid tackle. I just wasn’t thinking straight,” he said.

“The gaffer was angry after the game but he was good with me. He knew it was down to frustration. I have been involved in the last couple of games and the supporters were singing my name at Easter Road. It gives you an extra lift.

“I was maybe a bit worried there could be a reaction from Saints fans after the sending off.

“To be fair both sets of fans were brilliant to me.

“I have been here a few times and everyone knows how much I like it here. The gaffer sent me on to try and change the game. But maybe the penalty came a bit early for me.

“I didn’t catch it as well as I usually do. It’s the first one I have missed for Saints but luckily Joe saved me right at the end and it was another great result for us.

“It was an absolute sickener for me missing that penalty. It still hurts now. I was desperate to score. I usually do well against my old teams.”

Now weekend sub Swanson is hoping to start as Saints chase a fifth win in row against Hamilton on Saturday.

“The gaffer brought me back for a reason. I am confident I can score goals again here,” he insisted.

“We had that blip against Celtic and have come back with four wins and four clean sheets.

“Maybe getting a doing was the best thing that could happen to us because we have dug deep since then. It is a close knit club and that helps us pulls through.

“Teams are looking at us thinking we will be up there again. That’s certainly the plan.”

Danny Swanson is enjoying his third spell with St Johnstone.