RETURN TO NATURAL HABITAT ALLOWS MAY TO REDISCOVER HIS PREDATORY INSTINCTS

CELTIC must fear the grim prospect of being forced to send yet another Mayday when St Johnstone attempt to extend their unbeaten run to 11 matches today.

Saints last tasted defeat in regulation play in early October, coincidentally losing at home to Celtic, by dint of two stoppage-time goals.

But much has changed over the past two months — not least the fact that Stevie May has contributed eight goals in the rise of the Saints.

Now the striker, 28, has Celtic’s fragile defence in his sights in the east end of Glasgow this afternoon after starting to feel like a proper goalscorer again.

Having returned to his first love 16 months ago following a five-year sojourn at

Sheffield Wednesday, Preston North End and Aberdeen, May has been encouraged by manager Callum Davidson to take greater responsibility as an out-and-out striker.

He said: ‘I’ve been at a few different clubs and roles do change. That’s just the way it is and you have to do whatever you can to get into the team.

‘But it’s about now and fitting into this system and I’m enjoying it.

‘I’m up to nine goals for the season and I’m in a good place at the present time.

‘It’s about working hard for the team as well and starting to press from the front.

‘But you have to be selfish as a striker sometimes, I get that. You have to pick your times and a lot of it is just about getting into a position knowing the ball will drop for you in the box.’

May has certainly not had his troubles to seek on the injury front, but he insisted: ‘This is probably the best I’ve felt since I left England.

‘I’ve been playing up to three games a week and my fitness levels are good.

‘I’m really enjoying scoring goals and, with the age of the squad, there is real hunger with everyone bursting to play.

‘There was momentum prior to this run and it’s a new way of playing compared to what St Johnstone was in the past; it’s more expansive than we’ve ever been in my time.’