Closed-doors game is part of Saints’ build-up to Easter Road match

ST JOHNSTONE are busy preparing for Saturday’s away game against Hibs.

And their preparations have included a 2-1 home win over Arbroath i n a closed-doors game.

Manager Tommy Wright said: “A number of players who needed a full 90 minutes were able to get that.

“Now we’re hoping to put in a good performance at Easter Road to give everyone a lift.

“It is a period of transition but the squad and the club is in a good place at the minute.

“We will strengthen. There is time to do that before the window.”

This week is the 30th anniversary of the club’s first match at McDiarmid Park.

And Tommy continued: “I t ’s i m p o r t a n t to recognise j ust how far we’ve come in that time.

“I’ve been here for a good chunk of it as I’m now in my seventh season as manager and I’ve enjoyed so many memorable moments.

“I’m confident I can keep those good times going. We have a great stadium, squad and loyal fan base who get right behind the team. Here’s to the next 30 years.”

It’s been a tough start to the season so far for Saints following a poor Betfred Cup campaign and opening day defeat against Celtic.

Tommy added: “Last time out against Livingston didn’t go to plan either as we didn’t put in the kind of performance I’d have expected.

“There was a nervousness and apprehensive side to our game which we never really managed to shake off until we scored through Matty Kennedy.

“The fans t hen got behind the team and we kicked on. It was important we got our first point on the board although we hoped it would be three.”

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright.