Wright is wanting players in quickly

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has stressed the importance of moving quickly to strengthen the squad for next season.

With the departure of midfielder Danny Swanson to Hibernian - and a tougher test again expected next term - the Perth boss wants deals done swiftly.

“Players come and go. That is the nature of football. It is about how you respond to it as a club,” Wright told the Perthshire Advertiser.

“I said it last year and I said it this season, the league is going to be tougher next time around.

“So we have to find ways to invest in the team to make sure we are still a force in terms of where we are in the table next season.

“Let’s be honest, there are bigger clubs around than St Johnstone. A club of our size needs to act quickly and get things done. I have players we have targeted and it is a question of whether we can get deals done with them.

“We certainly don’t want to be scratching around in August. If a deal can be arranged we need to make sure it is done swiftly.

“It is alright thinking there are loads of players about but they might not be the ones you want.”

Ahead of this weekend’s first post-split fixture, against Aberdeen, Wright confirmed that defender Steven Anderson is 100% fit and ready to return.

The Perth captain played 90 minutes for the Under 20s without any issues.

Steven MacLean is suspended for the trip to Pittodrie but forward partner Graham Cummins returns to the squad.