The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Saints look to atone for opening day humiliation
Players must show a response against Livi after 7-0 thrashing, says Foster
His career has spanned nearly 20 years and taken him to grounds across Europe.
But St Johnstone full-back Richard Foster stumbled into uncharted territory with last week’s 7-0 hiding at Celtic Park.
And now the former Aberdeen, Rangers and Ross County defender has challenged the suffering Saints to atone by claiming three points against Livingston.
“It was my biggest and most embarrassing defeat,” said Foster, 34.
“In fact, it was the most embarrassed I’ve ever felt out on a football pitch. “No professional wants to lose 7-0. “But it was the manner of it. Celtic have a lot of good players but we gave them a helping hand.
“Collectively we were all over the place.
“It was a tough one to take and a tough one to watch when we went over it earlier in the week.
“We have to learn from it. It is certainly something we are looking to rectify against Livingston.
“We have a relatively young squad and it is important we don’t let it sap our confidence.”
Foster said the Perth players have been licking their wounds.
“There has been a bit of bite to training and a few arguments,” he said.
“That’s the kind of thing I like to see. It shows the players care and it is hurting.
“We have to put in a performance against Livingston that is worthy of St Johnstone and worthy of the fans who come to watch us.
“If we do that, the chances are that we will win the game.
“We want to get off the mark, especially in our first home game.
“We always like to be on the front foot at home, get the ball forward quickly and pressurise the opposition.”
Centre-back Liam Gordon comes back into contention after suffering a broken elbow.
He cruised through 70 minutes of a Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup clash with Cove Rangers in midweek.
He will feature in boss Tommy Wright’s squad along with skipper Jason Kerr, Estonian international Madis Vihmann, ex-Celtic youngster Wallace Duffy and veteran Steven Anderson.
“It will be good to have Liam involved again,” said Foster.
“He was probably our best defender in the games he played towards the end of the season.
“That’s testament to his character. He might not have played as many games as he’d have liked but he performed well.
“I think we have missed Gordy because he is a big presence and voice at the back.
“It was difficult for Wallace and Madis making their debuts at a place like Celtic Park.
“Having someone like Gordy pushing for a place and Ando is in the fold as well is good for the manager. He has more options available.”
Livingston manager Gary Holt wants his team to build on the solid foundations they set in their opening game.
Five players made their league debuts as Livi drew 0-0 with Motherwell and Holt was encouraged to see the new recruits adopt the club’s fighting spirit.
Holt said: “It was pleasing to see how tired they were on Saturday after the game, how spent they were. We said to them that’s what we need.
“Anyone coming into this club, whether you’re from abroad, whether you’re from Scotland or down south, you need to put the hard graft in.”
*Fans should note that today’s match kicks off at 2pm.