Bring on the Europa League: Davidson

ST JOHNSTONE midfielder Murray Davidson admits he cannot wait to discover exactly who Saints will be playing in their Europa League qualifier.

The Perth side are back in Europe for only the third time in their history thanks to a helping hand provided by Hearts.

The Jambos’ win over city rivals Hibs in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden on Saturday meant that St Johnstone qualified for continental competition’s despite only finishing sixth in the SPL.

Now, Davidson is eagerly waiting for the draw which will take place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on June 25.

He said: “The manager keeps saying that getting into the top six is a massive achievement for us but we are disappointed we didn’t clinch a European spot ourselves. We had three or four chances in the split but we feel we let ourselves down.

“But I was still watching the cup final cheering on Hearts.

“It is great they have done us a favour and I can’t wait to see who we will get in the draw.

“Everyone at the club is really excited by the prospect of European football.”

Mcdiarmid Park boss Steve Lomas admitted he was delighted to be in Europe next season and believes the achievement is a fitting reward for club chairman Steve Brown and his long-serving father Geoff who stood down from the post in November.

Lomas said: “Getting into the top six and into Europe doesn’t happen often for the club so I am delighted for everyone involved.

“It will be great for the fans and for Steve in his first year, and for his dad, Geoff.”

“STEVE HAS had a lot on his plate this season between looking after St Johnstone, his own life outside football and also his demanding role with the SPL,” said Lomas.

“That has brought its own pressure and it’s a side of football people don’t see.

“With the Rangers issue blowing up last season he and other chairmen will probably find themselves in a situation where they can’t please everyone. So looking forward to Europe will be a pleasant diversion.”

Lomas was already looking to make several new signings and, now that European football has been secured, that process will accelerate.

He said: “We will be looking to get a few in with Europe in mind but there will probably be other signings after the first qualifiers.

“The squad will come back on June 25 and the draw is something to look out for.

“Hopefully it won’t be just one round we are talking about. I saw Shamrock Rovers make the group stages last season and that was fantastic for them and their fans.”

The pre-season plans have had to be rejigged, with the proposed trip to Northern Ireland now off.

Saints’ schedule will see them return to training at Mcdiarmid on the day of the Euro draw, then have a week working at St Andrews.

They have friendlies against East Fife on July 11 and Raith Rovers three days later.

They were due to face Dundee on July 25 but that will now have to be postponed or rearranged as Saints play in Europe the following day, while former manager Derek Mcinnes will bring his Bristol City side to Perth on July 28.

Meanwhile, St Johnstone goalkeeper Alan Mannus has been included in the latest Northern Ireland squad.

The former Shamrock Rovers and Linfield man is in a 24-man party for next month’s friendly (June 2) against Holland in Amsterdam.

Scotland-born defender James Mcpake has earned his first Northern Ireland call-up.

Alan Mannus.