Graham eyeing United after stunning Dundee
BRIAN GRAHAM secured St Johnstone’s place in the top six — then admitted he now has employers Dundee United in his sights.
The on-loan Tannadice striker netted a spectacular ninth goal of the campaign since his switch last August but that has not deterred him from attempting to snatch away United’s European ambitions, too.
Graham is out of contract at the end of the season and insisted he is playing for a new deal, anywhere.
St Johnstone are now just a point behind United, albeit the Perth side have played two matches more, in fourth place — which could end up being rewarded with a Europa League place.
And McDiarmid Park boss Tommy Wright believes his side can qualify for continental competition for the fourth successive season.
Dundee failed to satisfy their 3,000 travelling support, who came in optimistic mood after that derby success against United on Wednesday night.
However, despite this defeat, Paul Hartley’s side can also confirm their top-six status if Kilmarnock lose to Aberdeen today.
‘As soon as it left my foot, I knew it was in,’ said Graham of his 26th-minute finish. ‘That’s my eighth league goal in 16 starts. I just wish I had played more.
‘My contract with United finishes in June, so I’m playing for a new deal.
‘With Dundee winning the derby against United, it was vital to get three points. Europe is still possible. We will be chasing United.’
His manager agreed. ‘That keeps the pressure on United,’ said Wright. ‘The players have done really well since we lost Stevie May.
‘To score only 29 goals and be in fifth place tells you they are something special. What they have achieved is nothing short of a miracle.
‘We have an opportunity to get back into Europe, which is important to finances.’
Wright said that a new deal for Graham is not guaranteed. ‘We felt it was important to get top six sorted first but we will be talking to his agent, and others, in the next few weeks.’
The fierce wind and bumpy pitch were not conducive to flowing football, nor was the rugged commitment and organisation of both sides.
Dundee put together a neat exchange of passes outside the box in the 24th minute allowing Paul McGowan in and his blocked shot ricocheted off Saints’ Simon Lappin towards his own goal, only for keeper Alan Mannus to paw the ball to safety.
However, just two minutes later, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock. Michael O’Halloran found Graham on the left, who cut inside before curling an 18-yard finish with his right boot beyond keeper Scott Bain.
O’Halloran fired an angled shot over the bar eight minutes before the interval before Graham headed wide at the back post.
Dundee almost restored parity in the last minute of the half when defender Frazer Wright’s clearance from a Greg Stewart effort bounced into the path of David Clarkson. The Scotland international lashed a shot against the post and sent the rebound over the bar.
Dundee could have equalised in the 55th minute when Paul McGinn’s cross caught the boot of Brian Easton and was then swept by the wind almost underneath the crossbar.
St Johnstone nearly doubled their lead, though, when Lappin’s free-kick into the box caused panic, but O’Halloran’s volley was kept out by the head of Iain Davidson.
Dundee’s Craig Wighton, on for Clarkson, put a low ball across the face of goal in the 69th minute, but it found no takers.
‘I always thought one goal would win the game,’ said Hartley. ‘We are nearly there for a top-six place.
‘We will all be tuned to the game tomorrow hoping that Aberdeen can get a good result against Kilmarnock.’