May cautiously optimistic against ‘favourites’

ST JOHNSTONE striker Stevie May last night declared Rosenborg favourites to win their European clash, despite Saints holding a precious lead, writes Ian Roache.

The McDiarmid men recorded one of the best results in continental competition from a Scottish provincial side for a long time when they won 1-0 in Trondheim last week.

That advantage would normally have the team with the lead being tipped to go through, but May noted just how cautious and wary Saints are of the Norwegians when he looked forward to Thursday night’s clash.

“We are confident, but we know they are a good side and are probably still favourites to go through,” said May.

“Hopefully, we will get a good crowd and the fans can push us forward on the night.

“Everyone is looking forward to the game but we are certainly not looking too far ahead.

“We just want to get through the tie first and foremost. It was a brilliant result last Thursday, but we couldn’t over-celebrate.

“We have kept telling ourselves that it’s only half-time — we have to focus fully on the return leg.”

May looked to be in form when he faced the Dens men in that 1-1 draw but may have to be content with a place on the bench when Rosenborg come calling.

He said: “It was good to get some game-time under my belt against Dundee.

“It was a bit tastier than the usual friendly with it being a derby. I think the run-out will help as far as Thursday is concerned.

“All the boys are fit, but this will give us that extra bit of sharpness which we need. I want to do everything I can to get into that team.”

Meanwhile, former Saint Peter MacDonald has revealed he will be in the stand to cheer his old club on.

The now Dundee player was in the opposing camp at the weekend, but will be roaring on the McDiarmid men against the Norwegians.

He said: “I still have a few good friends at St Johnstone and I have been wishing them all the best.

“They had a great result over in Norway last week and if they can get a good crowd at McDiarmid Park, I think they can go through.

“I think they will get a big turn-out, but the first leg was a massive result for them all things considered.

“I probably will go along. I spoke to my pal Chris Millar who said he would sort me out with two tickets.

“Rosenborg are half-way through their season and are a quality side, sitting top of the Norwegian league. St Johnstone, though, are still in pre-season, so if they were to get through it would give the whole of Scottish football a massive lift. It’s probably not been highlighted enough how big a result last Thursday was, but I’ll be rooting for them.”

Graeme Hart. Stevie May.