The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Livi game turning point for St Johnstone’ s Ciftci
Nadir Ciftci has taken a big step forward in his St Johnstone career, according to manager Callum Davidson.
The Perth boss hopes the former Dundee United striker’s encouraging display in the weekend victory against Livingston will be the start of an impactful end-of-season spell of form.
Ciftci failed to make a mark on the 0-0 draw with Hibs last month in his halfhour substitute appearance, when he made as many fouls as passes (four).
It was a similar story of ineffectiveness when Motherwell were McDiarmid Park opponents, this time as a starter.
Ciftci’s frustrations were laid bare as he made his way off the pitch when being taken off on the hour.
There was precious little evidence in those two matches to suggest the 30-year-old would have an important part to play in Saints’ battle for Premiership survival.
But that all changed on Saturday.
“I wasn’t particularly happy with Nadir against Motherwell,” said Davidson.
“He has to prove himself again.
“When he first came into the team he was really good and then his injury hampered him a bit.
“I don’t know whether it was a confidence thing or being unsure about his hamstring, but Nadir’s quality has never been in doubt.
“He’s similar to Callum (Hendry) – very good with his back to goal.
“He links the play well and makes intelligent runs.”
On Saturday, Ciftci’s overall involvement was on a par with Hendry’s – 37 touches in 74 minutes, recorded by Opta, compared to 46 in the full game.
And his passing accuracy was superior to the matchwinner – 61.3% to 54%.
With a much more central average position than in the Motherwell match, Ciftci also ranked highest for Saints in regards touches and shots in the opposition box.
There was a second-half glancing header that missed the far post, some classy footwork to manufacture a shooting position on the edge of the box and plenty of tracking back and closing down.
“I thought his work-rate was really good,” Davidson added.
“I’m pleased that the fans could see that and appreciated it.
“I expect that attitude all the time.
“We all know he’s a very emotional person – I remember that back when he was playing against us for Dundee United.
“It’s about making sure we get the best out of him and hopefully he can start getting a few goals to help us massively.”
Meanwhile, Davidson admitted that even though Saints are now as close to 10th place as 12th, keeping Dundee at a safe distance remains the team’s priority.
“I always have an eye on what’s happening below us first and foremost,” he said. “Not finishing bottom is the key objective.
“Saturday was another three points in a very tight league and things can change very quickly.
“If we keep winning games and get closer to teams above us, then it starts to change.”
● Saints have been linked with a summer move for midfielder Reece McAlear who is on loan at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
The Norwich City player will be out of contract at the end of the season, at which point his 12-month deal with the Highlanders will have run down.
The Scottish Sun has reported that Saints, St Mirren and Kilmarnock all have him on their list of potential targets, depending on whether they are in the Premiership next year.
McAlear, 20, has represented Scotland at youth level and Caley Jags boss Billy Dodds has suggested he is ready for an under-21 call-up.
He started his career with Motherwell and has scored four goals this season so far.