We’re all in this together
Tommy: No easy Euro games so Saints, Gers and Dons must unite
RANGERS have done Tommy Wright one turn already this summer even before they consider his move to capture Michael O’Halloran.
The St Johnstone boss has performed a mutual back scratch with Pedro Caixinha as he spoke about the importance of all Scottish clubs working together.
Saints travelled to Murray Park last week and fought out a goalless draw as both sides line up for Europa League qualifiers this week.
Wright will extend the courtesy to Derek McInnes next week as the Dons prepare for the second qualifying round.
Wright has warned of the difficulties facing Scottish clubs as they attempt to progress deep into the summer which is why it’s crucial they all offer mutual support. He said: “All the teams help each other out and work together.
“We have played Rangers and will play Aberdeen next week to help them get more games into our players.
“We’re all working hard to do better. There has to be an understanding things are not like they were 20 or 30 years ago.
“Back then you drew a team from somewhere like Lithuania or Estonia and a side from Scotland would automatically win. These days these are emerging countries and all have very good players.
“It’s tough at this level so the criticism of teams when they’ve gone out has been over the top. I can understand the disappointment because we all want Scottish football to be strong and as many teams as possible competing as long as possible.
“It’s a known fact the Scottish game was in the doldrums for a while but I think over the last few years the league has got better and stronger.
“There’s a buzz around the game again with Rangers back, Aberdeen strengthening, Hearts and Hibs returning to the Premiership. There’s a good feel about it again.
“We’re aware of the need to help that along by doing well in Europe but it’s underestimated how difficult it is these days. For a club our size we always have to be cautious.”
Saints will be without defender Steven Anderson for a game against a side midway through their league season, second in the table behind reigning champions Zalgiris Vilnius. Trakai warmed up at the weekend with an 8-0 win over Garliava in the national cup competition, watched by first-team coach Alex Cleland.
Wright said: “They like to pass the ball and their front two, Dorley and Maksimov, are their two best players.
“They have done very well this season and in their league they have been difficult to beat and score against.
“The Lithuanian league is not as
It’s tough at this level so criticism of teams when they’ve gone out has been over the top TOMMY WRIGHT
strong as the SPFL. But they will be very confident because they have some good results behind them domestically.”
Saints went out of the Europa League at the first qualifying stage two seasons ago, losing on away goals to Armenians Alashkert.
Wright said: “The team is far more settled now. I don’t like making excuses but we were decimated against Alashkert with seven players missing the home tie. Although we battered them and won 2-1 we went out on away goals.
“That was a learning experience and we know a clean sheet will be massive for us this week.
“We’ve held our own in previous years but it’s disappointing we’ve followed up great results with defeats against so-called lesser opposition.
“We beat Rosenborg then lost to Minsk in the next round. Then after knocking Luzern out a bad 45 minutes against Spartake Trnava cost us.
“That frustrates me. We just need to get that wee bit smarter and perhaps enjoy a bit of luck.”