Levein: Mitov will keep cool

ST Johnstone goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov’s confidence will not be dented by the error that cost the Perth side the opening goal in their loss to Dundee, says boss Craig Levein.

Mitov charged off his line to intercept a long ball early in Saturday’s all-Tayside clash, only to gift possession to Dundee, who snatched the lead through Lyall Cameron.

It was a rare blunder from the Bulgarian internationalist, who has arguably been Saints’ player of the season so far.

And his manager believes Mitov will not be haunted by his mistake.

“It won’t bother him,” said Levein. “He’s pretty robust, mentally and physically. He’ll be fine.

“He’s been excellent for us. He’s very conscientious, he always wants to look at all his clips with Hinchy (goalkeeping coach Craig Hinchliffe), just to see if there’s anything he can do to keep improving – and I think he is improving.

“I actually can’t remember a mistake he’s made – and that’s pretty good going.”

While Mitov’s form in goal has been of particular benefit to Saints this season, their difficulties at the other end of the pitch have hurt them in a big way.

Fortunately, with Nicky Clark returning to fitness and January signings Benji Kimpioka and Adama Sidibeh finding the net, things are looking up.

Sidibeh’s first Saints goal came against Dundee – and it was spectacular.

Levein, who spent last week talking up the Gambian striker, is not surprised that his recruit from the seventh tier of English football is now off the mark.

“He was never overawed,” said the manager. “Every day in training he puts the ball in the back of the net with some ferocity.”

Mitov’s gaffe against Dundee.