WENEEDTOTALK ABOUTKEVIN

Saints very aware of ’Well hitman’s goal threat

Steven Maclean will warn his St Johnstone players to stop the supply to the Premiership’s ‘in-form striker’ Kevin van Veen tomorrow.

The Motherwell forward, who is on the shortlist for PFA Scotland player of the year, has been in impressive form of late.

Interim Perth boss Maclean is backing his defensive unit to keep the clinical hitman quiet as Saints push to confirm league safety.

“Stuart Kettlewell has done a great job at Motherwell, no getting away from it,” Maclean said.

“He has turned their season around and has them playing some good football.

“You look at their squad and their bench, they are strong and have competition for places.

“We know what we will be facing and will be respectful, but we also know what we’re about.

“They have the in-form striker in the league too.

“You can see from van Veen’s goals recently that he has a bit of everything.

“Liam Gordon and Andy Considine have done really well for us but we don’t defend as a back four, we defend as a team.

“We will need to stop the supply to van Veen. But he is not just a oneman show.

“They have goals from other places as well. Max Johnston has done well, Blair Spittal chips in.”

Victory in Perth tomorrow should be enough to confirm Saints’ topflight status.

Maclean said: “If we win Saturday and we’re safe then great.

“But I just want to win every game. That is just the way I am.

“The remit is to stay in the league but let’s go and beat Motherwell then see where we are.

“If we are not safe, then we’ll go again against Kilmarnock.”

Banking safety as early as possible will help with player planning for next term, Maclean says.

“Definitely,” he told the PA. “It will help the club going forward.

“That is what it is about – the football club. It is not about one individual.

“It is about everyone at the club – the supporters, players, directors.

“We want to make sure this club is in the Premiership.”

Like at last week’s home win