The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Left-back now priority for Wright
The departure of Tam Scobbie to Dundee United and an injury concern over Brian Easton has made signing a new left-back a priority for St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright, writes Eric Nicolson.
The Perth boss has revealed that he wanted to keep Scobbie and that Easton may need an injection.
Michael Coulson won’t be coming back to the club, while Keith Watson remains on the transfer list.
Wright, who confirmed that Murray Davidson is expected to return to training on Monday, said: “Brian Easton will probably need an injection. Hopefully that will work because it leaves us a bit short in that position with Scobs going.
“Until I get a replacement for Scobbie I’ll have to hang on to all the defenders I’ve got, even the young ones I planned to put out on loan.
“With the slight doubt over Easty we’re a wee bit short numbers wise.”
On Scobbie’s departure to Tannadice, Wright added: “I’m disappointed that he’s left. I wanted him to stay. I know from speaking to him that he wanted to stay.
“Things happen in football. I’ll deal with that. I’ll have to move on and get someone else in.”
“At the end of last season it wasn’t a situation I had foreseen,” added Wright.
“Tam is a player who has been underestimated in a lot of quarters but I know the value of him. He’s made over 100 appearances in a five-year period. He’s played in important games for us and finished the season absolutely brilliantly.
“On and off the pitch he will be a big miss.
“I’d have liked to have had more business down by now. That hasn’t happened for a number of reasons.
“I want to get a left-sided full-back and I want one player at the top end of the pitch for Europe. We still probably need a striker and a wide player.”
One signing Saints have completed is young midfielder Kyle McClean.
Wright said: “He’s someone who I think can step into the first team. He’ll get opportunities in the friendlies. He’s very comfortable on the ball, strong, has two good feet and a range of passing.
“I’m hoping he can put pressure on our midfielders.”
Saints will be in Largs until tomorrow and then be based at St Andrews next week. Three closed-doors friendlies have also been lined up – against Rangers and Welsh sides TNS and Connah’s Quay.