Swanson: Ball is in club’s court over deal

DANNY SWANSON last night branded stalled Perth contract talks “a nightmare.” And the St Johnstone favourite has warned he won’t wait for the summer to thrash out his future.

Twelve-goal Swanson, 30, is enjoying the best form of his career under boss Tommy Wright and admits his preference is to extend his stay at McDiarmid.

But the former Dundee United and Coventry winger, who has been linked with interest from childhood favourites Hibs, is ready to listen to offers rather than risk being waiting until summer.

Top-scorer Swanson, who will face Ross County today, said: “I thought we had agreed what was happening weeks ago so it has been dragging on too long for my liking. It has all gone quiet and it’s an absolute nightmare.

“I had a clause in my contract that we would speak back in May and that didn’t happen. But I started the season well and after the Dundee game in October I thought we had a deal agreed.

“The gaffer has always said he wants to keep me and we have a good relationship. We have been very honest. But it looks like his hands are tied.”

After starting the campaign on fire, Swanson hasn’t netted since early December. “I didn’t think the uncertainty would get to me but it has over the last three or four weeks,” he admitted.

“I’m not sure what’s going on. It’s getting to the stage where I am going to be out of job in the summer. But I can talk to clubs now and there is interest.

“So it is really down to St Johnstone if they want to keep me here longer. But if it’s not going to work out here I definitely have other options.

“The clock is ticking now because all this uncertainty does affect your football. I’d like to get something done with St Johnstone or another club in the next few weeks.

“I have a wife and family to think about so I don’t want to leave it until the summer. I suppose the ball is in the club’s court and we’ll see what if anything happens.”

And Swanson insists he’s determined to help steer Saints to a sixth successive top six finish. He added: “I think Ross County will be thereabouts for the top six so if we can get three points maybe one more win would secure our place.”