Incident will not sour relations between two clubs, says Wright

WRIGHT ADDED: “The only penalty claim I have subsequently seen was for (Michael) O’Halloran’s bump with El Alagui and I think the referee called it right.

“I spoke to the ref and when his report comes in, we will deal with it.

“I also spoke to Jackie and we had a drink after the game in the manager’s office.

“The atmosphere in the room was a bit frosty, as you might expect, but at least we were talking.

“We spoke again in the morning and I think we both realise we could have handled it better.

“There’s no animosity and now we move on. I am sure we will both learn from it.

“Both clubs enjoy a really good relationship and I don’t want this incident to sour it.

“United look after us when we go to games at Tannadice and it is the same when they are in Perth.

“Jackie has a really good team there and hopefully we will meet up again in the top six after the split and, who knows, maybe even the Scottish Cup final.”

Meanwhile, the Saints boss has left the door open to central defender Frazer Wright to make what would be a quicker thanexpected return to f irst- team action following his ankle injury.

Wright’s ligaments have healed and he could have a place on the bench when the Perth men welcome Ross County tomorrow evening.

The manager said: “Frazer has been making excellent progress after his ankle ligament injury and at a push he could even come into contention for a place on the bench against Ross County.”

Striker Steven MacLean is available after suspension but Brian Easton will miss out.

Wright said: “We are still awaiting the full assessment on Brian’s hamstring injury but he came off right away and could be out for between 10 and 14 days.”

Sixth-placed St Johnstone can do their top-half chances a world of good with victory over the Staggies.

The three points at Tannadice moved them on to 38 points, four clear of seventh-placed Hibs with a game fewer played than the Easter Road club.

The feeling within the camp is 44 points should be good enough to clinch it so they are not far away.

“It was a really important win for us against United,” saidWright.

“It could be hugely important in our bid to secure a third successive top-six finish, which would be a fabulous achievement for a club the size of St Johntone.”