Wright proud as Saints seal return to Europe

TOMMY Wright hailed his St Johnstone squad after they secured a place in the Europa League qualifying stages with a 1-0 win over Partick Thistle.

Danny Swanson’s first-half penalty sealed fourth place in the Ladbrokes Premiership at the expense of Hearts.

And Wright is now looking forward to his fourth Europa League campaign in just five years in charge at McDiarmid Park.

Wright said: “I’m so proud of the players. It has been a tremendous season.

“It is the most satisfying season of them all because Rangers are back in the league and Hearts and other clubs strengthened after last season.

“For us to finish above Hearts after being five points behind them shows what a good side we are. They fully deserve to get the prize of Europe because of that. We have defied all the odds again. It has been tougher than ever with the clubs that have come into the league.

“To get into Europe with two games to spare shows what a great season we have had and what a great group of players we have.”

Wright believes his players are still flying under the radar after being overlooked for player-of-themonth accolades this term.

“There are plenty of people out there who don’t recognise how good we are. I think my players deserve a lot more plaudits than what they get,” he said.

Both sides created openings in the first half, but the breakthrough came from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute when winger Swanson tucked away his 15th goal of the season.

Irish striker Graham Cummins held up the ball before playing it into the path of Swanson. Defender Danny Devine was lured into a mistimed challenge in the danger area and Swanson was sent flying.

Recalled home goalkeeper Alan Mannus had denied Australian Ryan Edwards earlier from a tight angle and fellow midfielder Adam Barton had headed wide of the target.

But Liam Craig had shot past the post early on and Cummins slammed a shot wide before the opener, with Thistle duo Devine and Edwards picking-up first-half cautions.

Visiting goalkeeper Tomas Cerny was tested again minutes after the interval by Craig from 20 yards before pulling off a stunning one-handed stop to divert Tam Scobbie’s header over the crossbar.

The Thistle shot-stopper ensured Perth nerves remained until

We defied all odds again. It’s been tougher than ever with the clubs that have come in to the league

the final whistle with a string of top-class saves.

He bravely dived at the feet of full-back Richard Foster after cute play by midfielder David Wotherspoon.

Then he rose to tip a stunning Swanson strike over the crossbar in the 74th minute.

Before that, referee Finnie was at the centre of another controversial penalty call, when he waved away Paul Paton’s demand for a spot-kick when the midfielder appeared to have been bundled over by Lawless.

But despite a late scare when Kris Doolan came close to a leveller, St Johnstone and their fans celebrated at full-time

Disappointed Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald admitted his team never looked like stretching their winning run at McDiarmid to five matches.

Despite losing late in the game to Rangers the previous week, Archibald was bewildered by the team’s display.

He said: “Our performance levels were miles off it in terms of the amount of stray passes from everyone on the pitch”