MITCHELL LEARNS FROM ‘ROLLERCOASTER’ SPELL

Alex Mitchell has backed his former St Johnstone team-mates to build on their end of season momentum and make a Premiership top six push under Steven MacLean.

The centre-back has returned to Millwall following his loan at McDiarmid Park for a “make or break” pre-season.

And, after signing off his Perth stint with a start and a clean sheet in the last day victory against Livingston, he is confident Saints are in a good position to kick on without him.

“I was disappointed with where the club finished in the table,” said Mitchell.

“We had a good end to the season but I think this club is a top six one.

“If we had been more consistent we would have been in there no problem. If boys stay on and the club recruits well, I think it can only be positive for next year.

“The momentum from the end of this season will carry on and standards won’t drop. Macca won’t let them drop. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on their results next season.”

Mitchell’s only start for MacLean was in the final match of 2022-23 but he had a grasp of the bigger picture.

“I understand why I hadn’t been playing,” he said. “There was absolutely no bad blood at all between myself and Macca. He kept me informed all the time and the teams he picked did really well.

“There were no complaints from me but I just wanted to show what I could do in the final game.

“I feel like I did that. We got the clean sheet although I was cramping up right at the end. But getting the clean sheet was a really good way to go.”

Mitchell played 25 times for Saints and scored one goal (against Celtic).