Saints boost after keeper Clark says he’s keen to extend stay in Perth

Zander Clark has indicated to St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright that he wants to sign a new contract.

The Perth goalkeeper had an outstanding season last time out and, with only one year left on his current deal, has been offered fresh terms at McDiarmid Park.

And Wright is hoping that he will put pen to paper in the near future.

“Zander has told me again that he wants to stay,” said the Northern Irishman, whose players return for pre-season training today.

“I’m sure there would be plenty of interest in him if he did become available but I am hoping we can extend his contract.

“He has been made an offer and we are waiting for his adviser to respond and see where we are with it. With the players coming back in for preseason, getting Zander tied-up is one of my priorities.”

Wright is also working on adding to his squad before the pre-season games begin next week.

“I also need to get a defender in before we go to Northern Ireland,” he said.

“We have trimmed the squad and are going with fewer players this season.

“But I need a left-back to come in and we are working on it. That will give us seven defenders for pre-season and the Betfred Cup.”

Steven Anderson returns to the Saints squad after a successful loan spell with Partick Thistle.

“At the minute no defender is going anywhere,” said Wright.

“We did a straight swap for Niall Keown but I didn’t really want Ando to go out on loan last season.

“That’s the same this season. I only have three centre backs on the books and I am going to need his experience to help our young central defenders Jason Kerr and Liam Gordon.

“Ando is contracted for another year and I am glad to have him back.”

Joe Shaughnessy hasn’t fixed up a move after his Saints contract ran down at the end of last season but the ball is in the Irishman’s court if he wants to re-open negotiations with the McDiarmid Park club.

“People ask me if the door is still open but the situation is simple,” Wright pointed out.

“Joe or his agent has to get the key and open the door if they are interested.

“Joe knows we are willing to talk to him if he wants to come back. But we won’t be making the first move.”

Zander Clark will be offered new Saints deal.