The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Saints boss closing in on triple swoop
St Johnstone could be about to make a triple transfer swoop, with Fulham’s Welsh international George Williams set to arrive at Mcdiarmid Park in the next 48 hours on loan, writes Eric Nicolson.
Perth boss Tommy Wright is also keen on Aberdeen’s Scott Wright, with a central midfielder possibly completing a hat-trick of late transfer window captures.
Williams, a winger who has been capped seven times for his country and was part of Chris Coleman’s Euro 2016 squad, would be a signing to excite Saints fans.
As well as out wide, he can be used in midfield and through the middle up front.
Dons winger Wright has been a long-term loan target of Saints.
The Saints manager has admitted that his “gloves are off” post-partick Thistle blast may have been over the top.
Wright, who has a host of injury doubts for tonight’s Scottish Cup tie against Albion Rovers, said: “I had a right rant at the players and probably went over the top with it.
“But there was a frustration that we need players in but we haven’t got anyone in yet.
“We need to freshen it up. We need players to come in and give everyone a lift.”
There is no time to dwell on their 3-1 defeat to Thistle, with such a quick turnaround for the trip to Coatbridge.
“There will be changes and there would have been anyway,” said Wright. “But there are a few enforced ones.
“Zander Clark is out, Joe Shaughnessy is a doubt, David Wotherspoon is a doubt, Stefan Scougall is a doubt, Scott Tanser is out and Richard Foster is suspended.
“David Mcmillan is out. His face is badly beaten up so he’ll probably have two black eyes. The way he landed has hurt his hamstring and we are waiting to find out if he’s got a tear.
“I said I would make changes, some of them are enforced and other ones won’t be.”
He added: “I didn’t get much sleep last night, to be honest.
“I’m still disappointed with the result and the performance against Partick Thistle.
“We have to start games better, when we stay in games we have done well but we keep shooting ourselves in the foot.
“The home form needs to improve. There is no excuse for it. We are making too many basic errors.
“That has to be cut out because every manager in this league will tell you how hard it is to come back when you are a goal down.
“Having said all that, I’ve watched the game back and it’s an appalling decision from the referee to chalk off David Wotherspoon’s goal.
“The ref said he thought someone pushed someone but he didn’t know who. So, basically, he’s had a guess.
“It’s a dreadful decision but that doesn’t take away from the point that we were not good enough.”
Denny Johnstone – a man who has scored and won at Cliftonhill – believes this cup clash represents a great chance to “change the vibe” at Mcdiarmid.
He said: “Under the circumstances it’s great for us to have a game so soon so we can change the vibe about the place.
“Everyone was disappointed against Partick but we have to get over it and bring the positivity back again.
“We have the belief we can go on a run. We know we have the ability in the dressing room but it’s up to us to do it.
“The manager wasn’t happy on Saturday but the focus is on Albion Rovers now, it’s in the past and we have to look forward because this is a big game.
Murray Davidson and Paul Paton return from suspension.