St Johnstone head for Aberdeen

May 6 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE feel good factor returned to McDiarmid Park this week and now Saints are eager to bow out on a high.

They head north to Aberdeen tomorrow before Tuesday’s home clash with relegation-haunted Hamilton and an away trip to St Mirren.

And manager Derek McInnes is challenging his players to make a positive impression after returning to the goal trail in the 2-1 win over Hibs last weekend.

McInnes admitted the mood in training had been lifted by the victory at Easter Road, ending the drawn-out goal drought.

And the timing was perfect, with the fans’ player of the year awards night taking place 24 hours after a win sealed by strikes from Liam Craig and Kevin Moon, who did his prospects of securing a new contract no harm with a last-gasp winner.

“At the supporters’ night, every single one of the fans was delighted with the result. They recognised the effort and commitment being put in by the players,” said McInnes.

“Everyone had been fed-up with us not scoring goals and we were constantly being reminded of it. We couldn’t hide. So it was good to see midfielders who we know are capable of posing a goal threat getting on target against Hibs.

“Ironically, we have probably played better and created more chances in recent games but in football you don’t always get what you deserve.”

Saints, in joint eighth place, have lost just one of their last half dozen games against the Dons and currently enjoy a two-point advantage on the Granite City side.

McInnes said: “There was a lot to be pleased about against Hibs and we want to win more games between now and the end of the season. The dressing room was noisy and happy after the game rather than being forlorn and subdued. Hopefully we can repeat that over the last three games.”

A Pittodrie win in November signalled a turn-around in Perth fortunes as the defence tightened-up. While the goals haven’t flowed, Saints have one of the best backline records in the SPL.

“Results picked-up after that win in Aberdeen and I would take a similar score again because we always expect it to be tough at Pittodrie.

“Training has been geared towards winning in Aberdeen. We are trying to finish off in a positive state of mind.

“Every one of the fans that made the effort to travel to Edinburgh last weekend felt it was worthwhile. It was great seeing what the goals and the win meant to everyone.

“There were some worthy winners at the fans’ night and there was a genuine warmth towards the players. It was a timely reminder of what we all feel for the football club and how special the game can be.

“Of course there was a sense of relief that we had scored and confidence is worth its weight in gold to any sportsman. And we want that enthusiasm from the fans from our first day back for next season – so we will be working hard in the final games.”

Inverness Caley Jags appear to have made their grasp on seventh place secure with the midweek win over Celtic and McInnes wouldn’t begrudge them it.

He said: “They have had big results this year but we want to finish as high as we can.”

Several Saints players are nursing injuries, with Danny Grainger missing training yesterday and Graham Gartland undergoing hernia surgery. Jody Morris is out for the season but Michael Duberry and Steven Anderson return from suspension.

See pages 14 and 15 of today’s PA for coverage of the St Johnstone player of the year awards night.