Moon beam

Jan 30 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

HOME grown talent Kevin Moon yesterday clinched a two year contract extension.

And the assured 21-year-old midfielder admitted he’d love to pull on a St Johnstone shirt in the SPL.

McDiarmid manager Derek McInnes, who is chasing a coveted place in the Premier League, underlined his faith in the youngster by offering the new contract.

And fan-turned-footballer Moon – who ran the gauntlet of a major police firearms exercise at Stirling University campus as he joined Perth players making for training – stressed no one had to put a gun to his head to sign on the dotted line.

While he’s still receiving treatment to a troublesome pelvic problem, Moon figures in the squad heading for Cappielow tomorrow, where Morton have lost just once this term.

Moon said: “Obviously I’m delighted to get the new deal, especially at this stage of the season. Hopefully I can play a part in the run in.

“It was all very straightforward when the contract was offered.

“It would be great to play for my home town team in the SPL. There’s a long way to go but that has to be the aim.”

Moon has already made two trips to a specialist in Leicester for injections designed to stabilise and strength the problem area. He has another one in his diary.

“I get a dull ache every time I play and it would be good to get it sorted out.”

Moon admits he’s relishing the chance to advance his career with central midfielders like Jody Morris and Derek McInnes eager to act as tutors.

“Another two years learning from these guys will be great. Jody is a class act. Learning from them is a real bonus.”

Moon admitted pumped-up Perth players were frustrated to learn last week’s clash with Dunfermline had been cancelled.

Now they have Morton in their sights, with the Greenock side proving a tough nut to crack on home soil, where Saints had a two-goal lead pegged back early in the season. The bookies are predicting another draw.

McInnes only has one fitness worry but Graham Gartland will be in the squad if there’s no reaction to yesterday’s training session.

McInnes had to get his players re-focused after the top of the table clash with the Pars was frozen out.

“Obviously the boys want to play games. It is disappointing that we’ve only had one league game in January but we can’t let the lack of momentum effect us.

“I watched Morton draw with Livi last weekend but they could have been four up after an hour before being hauled back. Cappielow is one of the toughest away venues in the league.

“We are well aware of their physical presence and they are playing with confidence. And losing late goals cost us points early in the season in Greenock.”

McInnes welcomed Moon’s long-term deal and noted: “He has had a stop-start time of it with injury but with the security of a two year deal hopefully he can concentrate on his career development.

“I believe Kevin has a good future ahead of him. It’s great for the club that he is a St Johnstone supporter but first and foremost he has been given the extension because he has earned it.

“Kevin is aggressive, a good passer and a competitor with a big heart. He knows how highly I regard him. Playing Kevin is never a gamble. I know I can rely on him. And I can only see him getting better and better.”

With the U17s clinching their league title last weekend, Moon and Andy Jackson are being held up as role models for the teenagers to emulate.

McInnes said: “If we can get two or three of the U17 squad through in the next 18 months or so that will be great.”