Frustrated gaffer hits out at penalty decision but hails Saints’ efforts

St Johnstone suffered a triple whammy of calf injuries in their 1-1 draw with Aberdeen.

Zander Clark, Callum Hendry and Melker Hallberg were all taken off with the same issue.

And manager Callum Davidson is now keeping his fingers crossed that they don’t join the everexpanding group of players sidelined for a long spell.

“We’ll assess the injured players, who we’ll add to our list,” said the Perth boss.

“Hopefully they’re not too bad. Zander is obviously a huge player.

“A calf isn’t a great injury – I’ve had numerous ones. Hopefully these guys come back quicker than I did. I was probably out for about six weeks after one.”

Hendry gave Saints an early lead but Davidson was left cursing another controversial penalty decision that went against them – this time Callum Booth challenging Calvin Ramsay at the edge of the box. It was from that spot-kick the Dons levelled through Lewis Ferguson.

Davidson now finds himself in the position where he’s preparing his players to deal with refereeing blunders before they happen.

“I thought the lads were brilliant in the first half,” he said.

“Second half we weren’t quite as good – Zander, Melker, Callum Booth and Callum Hendry all had to be taken off.

“I’m baffled by the penalty – if there is contact, which I don’t think there is, it’s outside the box.

“Every week I’m having this conversation – that’s three games in a row.

“I’m really frustrated with these decisions but we talked about how we should react and we did that better.

“I’m really happy with that. Our point was thoroughly deserved, if not more.”

Davidson added: “Hopefully we’ll get some shocking decisions going for us that will maybe help us get three points.

“If it was a penalty I’d accept it – but not when it’s soft or not even a penalty.

“It’s the first time I’ve had to prepare a team for poor decisions.”

Meanwhile, Aberdeen’s search for a new manager is set to ramp up after an approach to talk to St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin was rejected by the Buddies.

The Paisley side are adamant a compensation package must be agreed before granting permission.

It is understood that compensation is around £250,000 – but that number will not deter the Dons.

Goodwin tops a shortlist drawn up by chairman Dave Cormack and the Pittodrie board to succeed sacked Stephen Glass.

Barry Robson stepped up from the U18s to take interim charge of the first team last night and said he was proud of the side’s second half performance.

Jim Goodwin is the Dons’ first choice as manager.