Saints players out to put in a performance

Brechin game anything but a dead rubber for Perth men, says keeper Clark

Tonight’s game against Brechin City is anything but a “dead rubber”, according to St Johnstone keeper Zander Clark.

The Perth number one, who returned to the starting line-up on Sunday, insists the Saints players selected to face the League Two club in their third Betfred Cup group game at McDiarmid Park this evening will have plenty of motivation, even though the defeat to Ross County ended their hopes of reaching the last 16.

“There is nothing to play for on paper because we’re out of the cup but that’s not the case,” said Clark.

“The boys want to show the manager they should be in the starting XI for the beginning of the league season. It’s not a dead rubber as far as we’re concerned.”

Clark added: “It’s important we go out and show a reaction after the two losses.

“The County game was better than Montrose but it was a case of not taking our chances and being punished for silly mistakes. We need to get into good areas again and convert the chances when they come along.

“We could have been three or four up before they got their penalty. To go in at half-time 2-1 down was a kick in the teeth after doing so well.

“The second half was an uphill battle and we couldn’t get the goal we needed to get us back in it.”

Clark missed the Montrose match through injury but didn’t have any issues during his weekend comeback.

He said: “I’m feeling good. That was my first 90. It was a niggle I had in my groin and didn’t want to take a risk so early in the season. The last thing we wanted was to do further damage.”

Elliot Parish was blameless in the defeat to Montrose and has already shown he will provide Clark with stiff competition this season.

Clark added: “I know I need to be on my best form to keep my place.

“Elliot has settled in well and he’s a great boy. He was my roomy in Belfast.

“Hopefully we’ll bring out the best in each other.

“It’s always healthy to have competition for places.”

St Johnstone keeper Zander Clark will be looking to impress against Brechin to keep his starting place.