BROWN TO STAR FORTHE SAINTS
Millwall defender on board to replace Danny McNamara
St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson yesterday confirmed the loan signing of James Brown. The 22-year-old has been sent north from Millwall following the London club’s decision to recall Danny McNamara.
It is planned Brown, also a rightsided full-back, will train this week and be available for Saturday’s scheduled trip to Dundee United. Saints manager Davidson, who was previously assistant at Millwall, believes his new arrival will be a great replacement for McNamara. “He is a top quality right-back,” Davidson said. “I’m pleased I managed to get him as soon as I knew Danny was getting called back.
“He has played at Carlisle and has quality in attack with a great final ball. “He does like to get forward and his use of the ball is good.
“He is quick and can defend oneon-one as well. Hopefully he comes in, starts well and keeps flying.
“I think he is a player that will get better and better. Danny came in and hit the ground running. James has got to do the same.
“I probably saw more of James than I did of Danny when I was at Millwall. He was with the first team training and involved with the squad.
“Opportunities to go and play football
James Brown goes for the ball during a spell at Livingston are massive for younger players. St Johnstone can give him a platform to do better things.
“He has been training for the full season so we have no issues with his fitness.
“He will have to get tested and then hopefully train on Tuesday.”
Striker John Robertson, meanwhile, has returned from his loan at Forfar Athletic.
And with the January transfer window open, Davidson added: “In regards to signings, we need to find the right players to improve the squad and we are definitely looking.
“I hope to get two or three of the lads out on loan. It’s been difficult for them because we can’t get as many games.”
One player who has been impressing on loan is Cammy Ballantyne. The young midfielder has played a starring role at Montrose this season.
“We’ve been very pleased with Cammy,” Davidson said. “It’s important for his development that he gets a full season under his belt.
“Then he will be in a strong position to come back into the first team. We keep an eye on him and talk to him regularly.”
Saints are in need of a strong start to the new year in order to pull themselves away from the relegation zone.
The Perth side are now nine league games without a victory following Saturday’s 1-1 draw against bottom of the table Ross County.
Having fallen behind to a Ross Draper goal, winger Craig Conway levelled from the penalty spot.
Davidson said: “There was a lot of good stuff. For the majority of the game, I thought we controlled it and had chances.
“There was character shown after going one down and not starting particularly well.
“We probably should have gone on to win the game, albeit Zander has pulled off a great save at the end.”
Report inside.