LEVEIN KEEN TO GET SCORERS BACK ON PITCH CLARKISKEYTO GOALSUCCESS
Walk to victory
Craig Levein hopes a combination of priceless Premiership experience and untapped striking talent helps St Johnstone discover a scoring streak when it matters most.
Saints have the second lowest ‘goals for’ tally in the top flight with 21 from 30 games.
That’s one more than Livingston who are 10 points adrift at the bottom.
The Perth men have netted more than one goal on just two occasions in Levein’s 21-match reign - on his dugout bow against Motherwell in November then in victory at Aberdeen last month.
However, it’s a problem that predated the manager as Steven Maclean’s tenure was undermined by injuries to Nicky Clark, pictured inset, and Chris Kane and the subsequent scoring struggles.
Levein believes veteran Clark could hold the key to unlocking opposition defences on the run-in - starting at home to Dundee tomorrow.
And he is convinced January signing Adama Sidibeh will soon contribute vital goals.
Saints have been especially careful nursing Clark, 32, back to fitness.
He’s been used sparingly in recent weeks as Levein wants the ex-rangers and Dundee United forward firing for the battle at the bottom with eight games left of an injury-ravaged season.
Levein, right, reported: “I spoke to Nicky on Monday morning and he’s starting to look really good.
“Touch wood, all of his injury issues are behind him. Not just that, he’s got minutes under his belt and has been training every single day without any issues. “That gives me hope that we can get a fair wind between now and the end of the season with him.
“That then gives us somebody who is a proven goalscorer on the field – for every minute of every game, if possible.
“Nicky’s the one that everybody would recognise has been our main threat and we just haven’t had him on the pitch often enough this season.
“I make a point of saying this because our lack of goals is sometimes down to a lack of chances we make and, other times, it’s about not having that experienced head.
“The one who can take a breath inside the penalty box. I’m very confident that he’s fit and ready to go and I think it’s good timing for us.” • Full story: Page 38
Sidibeh is 25 but still considered a raw talent for the level, having been prolific in England’s seventh tier.
Since signing from Warrington Rylands, Sidibeh hasn’t scored in four starts and three substitute outings.
However, Levein believes it’s only a matter of time before his finishing talent makes a telling impact.
Levein said: “Adama has hit the target with a lot of his shots, keepers have made great saves, there have been loads of blocks.
“I actually sent a video down to his previous manager of the chances he’s had.
“There was also a blatant handball against Hearts that was missed, that was going in. Nobody can accuse Adama of not putting the effort in.
“Adama has been playing week-in, weekout down in England. His stamina and energy is high.”