David sets himself a goal!
DAVID WOTHERSPOON admits he needs to add goals to his game NOW — or risk losing the battle for midfield berths at St Johnstone, writes SEAN HAMILTON.
The Perth-born midfielder has been an everpresent for Saints this season but has found the net only once, back in August against Ross County.
With new middle-ofthe-park recruits Michael O’Halloran and James Dunne both notching their first strikes last weekend — and Lee Croft finding fitness and form wide on the right — Wotherspoon is determined to match up.
And he insists he’s relishing the fight to be the first name on gaffer Tommy Wright’s team sheet as Saints aim for a third-successive shot at Europe.
He said:“I really want to score more goals. That’s just not happening for me at the moment.
“It’s hard to say exactly why, because you can put it down to different things like not being in the right position, shots not being right at the time, needing a bit more composure sometimes on the ball. It can mount up.
“But I’m sure the chances will come my way and I’ll get a few more goals. I’ve been playing every week and I’ve been delighted with that. It’s what I wanted when I came here.
“I just need to work on my own consistency because everybody is fighting for their place now.
“For the new lads to get on the scoresheet last week was brilliant and I think both of them can take confidence from their performances.
“It means there’s a lot of competition but there’s a real togetherness at the same time and that can only strengthen our chances of a European place.”
Standing in their way today are Celtic, who will be determined to maintain their unbeaten League record after last week’s Scottish Cup loss to Aberdeen.
Wotherspoon believes that result has heaped extra pressure on the Bhoys — and he reckons Saints can take advantage by approaching the game without fear.
He said:“There’s always pressure on Celtic, but I guess it’s a bit different this week with them not wanting to lose twice in a row.
“They’ll be desperate to bounce back straight away. They’ll try to take the game by the scruff of the neck so we need to focus and be aware of their strengths.
“But we’ve got the team to do that. We just have to have no fear and play our own game.
“We’ve been unlucky twice against them this season rather than being outclassed, so we believe in ourselves.”