Rocco ready to quit Parkhead

Dec 7 2007

DEREK McInnes is wasting no time trying to strengthen his Perth squad.

The McDiarmid manager already has former Dundee United attacker Collin Samuel training with the Saints players and yesterday they were joined by 24-year-old Alan Morgan, a left-sided player who has been told he’s being released by Inverness Caley Thistle.

Meanwhile, McInnes has also been progressing moves to secure midfielder Rocco Quinn on a long-term basis from Celtic and that deal – which will delight Perth fans – is nearing completion.

McInnes, who is counting down to his first home game in charge of St Johnstone, said: “I have spoken to Rocco. We want him to stay and he is keen. We have been talking to Celtic this week.”

The Parkhead youngster has been impressive since making the switch earlier in the season, adding mobility and drive to the midfield.

Now, Rocco is ready to follow close pal Gary Irvine, by swapping Celtic Park for Perth in a bid to progress his career.

Explaining the decision to take a close look at Morgan, the manager said: “Tony Docherty took in a reserve game this week. Craig Brewster feels he has too many midfielders at Inverness. Alan could be fixed-up on an emergency loan and is available in January. He can play anywhere on the left so we’re happy to take a look at him.”

Morgan, who is a product of the Blackburn Rovers youth academy, was farmed out to Ross County for a month after half-a-dozen appearances in the Highland capital.

McInnes has been sounding out clubs for potential loans, observing: “I feel there are one or two areas that we could do with strengthening.

“We are active on that score and it will be ongoing.”

Focusing on tomorrow’s home clash with Morton, the manager admitted the onus is on Saints to bag a series of wins to present a genuine threat to Hamilton and Dundee in the title race. He said: “The gap is 14 points but we have a game in hand and play Hamilton next weekend.

“We can’t look too far ahead but I spoke to the boys this week and if we can trim the gap then there’s half a season left to make up the rest of the ground.

“Last season ended in disappointment but we can take inspiration from the way we closed in on Gretna.”

Defender Allan McManus is fit again and full-back Irvine, who caught a sore one at Firhill, has recovered from a badly bruised ankle.

Peter MacDonald is available after a flu bug in midweek.

“This is the first home game in charge for me so I’m looking forward to it.

“It is a difficult fixture because Morton have established themselves in this division. But we have a great record at McDiarmid and need to win games to start dragging ourselves closer to the top two,” he stressed.

There could be a start for Steven Milne, who last began a game in January.

“He has the scoring credentials to replace Kenny Deuchar, now back at Gretna after a productive loan spell.

Steven Anderson, who yesterday launched the official Saints calendar, is hoping to retain his defensive slot this weekend.

“That is up to the gaffer. We go a long way back. I was his boot boy at Tannadice and he never had any complaints – because I did my job so well! He was always very professional, out training before and after the others.

“He was always very helpful to me as a teenager and the advice has continued since he came to Perth.

“There’s more pressure with Allan McManus, Kevin Rutkiewicz and soon Kevin James all available. We just have to deal with that.” McInnes joked: “Ando was good as a boot boy but he always seemed to be more attentive with Christmas round the corner!”

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MARTIN Hardie was back at McDiarmid yesterday after surgery in Bradford earlier in the week.

He’s banned for the cup clash with Raith in mid-January but is hoping to return to action after that match.

Game time has been restricted this term by a niggling groin injury but now the midfielder is hitting the comeback trail.

He said: “I’ve got to look after myself after trying to get back too early in the past.

“I’m feeling great and when I came into McDiarmid it was the first time I’d seen physio Nick Summersgill smiling!

“He was expecting me to be hobbling around.

“The surgeon is very happy so I can press on with the exercises.”

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THE official 2008 St Johnstone calendar is on sale now at McDiarmid Park and is available to order on-line at the club’s website.

The Perthshire Picture Agency has captured the Saints stars in action and a different Perth player is featured each month. The calendars are priced at £7.99.

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SAINTS play Aberdeen in the SFA Youth Cup on Sunday at McDiarmid. It’s a 1pm start. Season tickets are valid. Admission is £3 and £1.

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WINGER Jamie McCluskey is sidelined for six weeks after a training ground injury. He has suffered a broken bone in his foot.