Liam likes the look

St Johnstone stalwart Liam Craig admits he’s been impressed by how his side have bounced back from European disappointment with a string of excellent pre-season performances.

Speaking after Saturday’s clash with Hartlepool, midfield man Craig commended the Fair City side’s resolute defending as the build-up to the season kicking off on August 5 continues.

He said:“In all the friendlies we’ve had so far, we haven’t conceded, which is pleasing.

“The way we’re playing and the way we’re moving the ball is good. I think there’s still room for improvement, but gradually you can see us getting better and sharper.”

Craig went on to highlight the importance of playing a

variety of teams in preparation for the 2017/18 campaign.

“We’ve played some decent teams during preseason who have caused us different types of problems, and to come through them all with clean sheets is satisfying.

“We’ve got East Fife next week and it’s important now that we have a good week’s training.”

Coming on at half time against Hartlepool, Craig noted Saints’strength in depth, having fielded vastly different teams in each of their friendly matches so far.

The former Hibs man said:“I had a good 90 minutes at Murray Park against Rangers and I think that’s shown the strength in depth of the squad.

“We got a great result and performance against Sunderland and we made nine changes before facing a strong Rangers team, a game we won and played well in.

“We’ve got strength in depth in areas and with another couple of players coming in, there’s no reason we can’t have another good season.”

Keen to avoid a European hangover following their recent Europa League exit, Craig said he was delighted to see the McDiarmid men bounce back the way they have – particularly with experienced pros and some younger faces being given run-outs.

He added:“It was important to bounce back from the European games. Keeping the clean sheets is pleasing and obviously it’s great to see Liam Gordon coming into the back four, Jason Kerr playing there too and obviously Ally Gilchrist, as well as Ando and Easty coming back.”

Looking ahead to the start of the league season against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, Craig admitted: “Kilmarnock having the four League Cup matches before the season starts means they’ll have plenty of match fitness, so it’s important that we’ve had difficult opposition in pre-season.

“We’ll be ready for the Kilmarnock game and we’re going about the preparation the right way.”