Blair looking to bounce back against Dee
ST Johnstone midfielder Blair Alston now feels comfortable in the top flight.
The 24-year-old left Falkirk in the summer after the
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tionandthe There’s McDiarmidhe for admitted:startingstiff competi- midfieldplaces“At the in start thanBut nowI I found thoughtI knowit harder I everyonewould. and play, howI’m settlingthey want quiteto well. “At no point did I think I’d come in and just play every week. I didn’t think I started as well as I knew I could. I’m not going to say I’m going to play every week now but I know where I need to be and what I need to do to make sure I’m in the team more often than not.
“The tempo is a lot harder and you’re playing against players who’ve played at this level an awful lot longer than I have.
“It’s always going to be a step up to this level but it’s something I always wanted to do. It was going to take a bit of time to settle but I’m getting used to it. And I’m enjoying it.
“It feels a little like starting from scratch. It’s totally different. But playing so many games at Falkirk has helped me massively. I’ve played against really good players before, just not quite as regularly.
“I certainly feel like I’m capable at this level. It’s now about standing my ground and saying I deserve to be here.”
Alston forged a reputation for creativity and now wants to add goals to his game.
He’s had to tailor his game to provide defensive cover but he’s eager to get off the mark for Saints.
“It’s now about having more belief in myself to say I am good enough to play here and go and create opportunities, maybe score goals and set them up.”
Alston admits Saints are licking their wounds after losing to Killie.
“Last week was disappointing. We had such a decent start to the season and had a good away win at Ross County the week before. It was probably a bit of a shock to us to lose the game.”
DUNDEE CAN’T TAKE THE HUFF – See page 21.