Peaso hungry for a hundred

Oct 30 2007

PETER MacDONALD is eager to clock-up his 100th start for Saints but the striker accepts he will have to be patient.

He featured in every game last term but has been waiting for the century celebration since his last start in the August win over Dundee.

A substitute in recent weeks, he almost snatched a late winner in the weekend clash with Clyde – but he’s resigned to more time on the bench.

Yesterday, he said: “I’d love my 100th start but when I was injured Andy Jackson seized his chance and he has done very well. Jacko deserves to be in the team. I can’t grumble. But when my chance does come along I’m determined to take it.”

Jackson’s impressive six match scoring run ended against the Bully Wee but MacDonald isn’t expecting to get the call for the big derby in Dundee this weekend.

“I can’t grumble about not starting. I missed out after hurting a shin in a training ground collision with Goran Stanic and Jacko has taken his chance,” said the ex-Ranger.

Deuchar, on loan from Gretna until early December, added to his tally against Clyde and later admitted he felt right at home at McDiarmid before noting: “It’s out of my hands and the clubs will decide what to do and make me aware of the options.”

With long-term absentee Steven Milne hoping to get the all-clear from a surgeon today to step-up his comeback after knee surgery, MacDonald is bracing himself for the stiffest competition for places in his time at McDiarmid.

He said: “Obviously in addition to Kenny Deuchar and Andy Jackson there is Dyron Daal and John Stewart, with Savo about to come back. It can be frustrating but it is about having a strong squad nowadays. And that can mean waiting in the wings.”

Third placed Saints have slipped 10 points behind Hamilton – whose manager, Billy Reid, is being linked with Dunfermline where boss Stephen Kenny is under mounting pressure – with Dundee still four points ahead going into the derby at Dens.

MacDonald said: “It is a derby and a big one for both teams. A win against Dundee will help the cause. We have lost just one game in a competitive league. It is early days.”

Manager Owen Coyle admitted to a mix of frustration and disappointment at the weekend draw.

“We missed first-half chances but with 15 minutes left I still thought we would win the game, despite foul after foul preventing any fluency. There were several goalmouth scrambles and I couldn’t believe the ball didn’t end up in the net.

“Looking to the weekend it is first and foremost a derby so it is important for both clubs.”

Commenting on MacDonald’s wait for the century of starts, he said: “When strikers are scoring it makes selection simple. Peaso has had injury problems and now we’re hoping Savo gets the green light.”

Daal twisted a knee against Cowdenbeath reserves last week and Andy Lawrie was missing with a neck injury.

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SAINTS season ticket and voucher holders began snapping-up tickets for the Challenge Cup clash with Dunfermline yesterday. The sale continues this week at the McDiarmid office with the public sale on November 12. This week the office opens until 6.30pm.

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SCOTLAND play Denmark tomorrow at McDiarmid in the UEFA European qualifying game with a 7pm kick-off. Fans are being urged to get along and cheer on the Scots. Admission is just £3 and £1 concessions.