Young guns show the way for Saints

Jan 27 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McINNES yesterday hailed his young title winners.

The St Johnstone boss, who has his sights set on the First Division championship, congratulated Tommy Campbell and Paul Sheerin’s successful U17 league winners.

The teenagers romped to victory over Stranraer on Sunday, while closest rivals Alloa crashed to Ayr United.

With two games left in a 19-club division the Perth kids can’t be caught.

McInnes said: “The boys deserve a big pat on the back for winning the title, and so do Peanut and Tommy. They’ve done a great job.”

It’s midfielder Sheerin’s first step onto the coaching ladder but McInnes pointed out the 34-year-old remained a vital part of his first team squad.

“Peanut was the obvious choice to take over from me when I took the manager’s job. He is quiet but he’s a model pro and knows the game inside out. With him and Tommy, the kids here are in good hands. I knew Peanut would relish the challenge. He didn’t get the job because he is a good guy. He is very capable and I’m pleased with the job he is doing along with Tommy.”

McInnes said winning the title was a bonus. He had been looking to develop individual talent after the U19 set-up was scrapped.

“It’s all about seeing signs of progress and the majority of this group can play another year at this level.

“The decision to do away with the U19s has probably been justified. But if we can get two or three players through for the first team in the long term that will be the true gauge. Hopefully that will happen further down the line.

“But the lads deserve congratulations for their achievement.”

Local lad Chris Dodd is farmed out to Jeanfield Swifts and a couple more of the Perth kids will be joining Kinnoull.

McInnes explained: “If they can handle the physical side of the junior game it will be good for them.”

Delighted U17 captain Martyn Shields, who was lured from Hamilton on a full-time contract last summer, said: “The lads have worked hard this season and it was great to learn that Alloa had lost and that we were the champions.

“With nine or 10 of us full-time and training together during the week, we’ve only been beaten twice, by Clyde and Partick.”

The 16-year-old midfielder noted that the kids had already got a taste of first team training.

He added: “The influence of Tommy and Paul has been huge.”