Davidson keen for Craig to keep emotions in check
Callum Davidson knows he will never keep Liam Craig quiet but t he St Johnstone boss has reminded the rest of his squad to keep their mouths shut after the veteran midfielder’s needless red card last week.
Craig, pictured, was shown a second yellow card at the final whistle following Saints’ late defeat by Hibernian as he vented his fury at referee John Beaton. He will now sit out today’s visit of St Mirren to Mcdiarmid Park.
At 33, Davidson admits he will struggle to get the outs p oken f ormer Hibernian and Falkirk man to change his ways. But he does not want the rest of his team copying Craig’s bad habits in front of the match officials.
“I spoke to Liam,” said Davidson. “I know him well and he was obviously disappointed in himself. It was such a frustration as he realised how well we played, yet we didn’t pick up anything from the game.
“But it’s been dealt with internally. He knows himself ( he shouldn’t have done it) and he’ll be disappointed not to be involved on Saturday.
“I wouldn’t say it was down to his temper. Let’s just say he likes to talk, that’s the polite way of putting it with Liam.
“I travelled with him in the car for two years, so I know he can talk all right.
“He’s an emotional guy and he was just really frustrated with how the game finished. But I’ve said from day one to the players that it’s a big part of my ethos on football, they need to keep disciplined and keep their heads.”
Saints have suffered back- toback defeats by Aberdeen and Hibs, having opened the new campaign with four points f rom the f i rst three games but Davidson admits his side are unlikely to turn that run around if they keep stumbling out of the blocks.
The Perth boss, who welcomes back Murray Davidson after a seven- month injury lay- off, said: “It would be nice to get the first g o a l t hi s weekend against St Mirren. We haven’t managed that in the first five games this season. The starts are huge if you can get the first goal in this league”
St Mirren’s Dylan Connolly is relishing a new challenge in Paisley. The 25- year- old Irish winger was persuaded by Buddies boss Jim Goodwin to make the move to Paisley after leaving Sky Bet League One side AFC Wimbledon.
Connolly said: “The gaffer made me feel welcome, he told me that he enjoyed how I played and wanted me to express myself as a footballer.
“I am ready to work hard and I am ready for any challenge that comes my way against any opposition so I will put my head down and work hard.
“I am go o d f r i e nds with Jamie Mcgrath, I played with him at Dundalk. I won numerous titles with Jamie and he only had good words to say about St Mirren.”