Derby count down

Feb 26 2008

THE countdown has begun to an eagerly anticipated Tayside derby clash – and Perth midfielder Rocco Quinn insists Saints believe they can snatch the title away from Dundee and Hamilton.

Boosted by an impressive victory in Greenock, Saints now have to win in Dundee this weekend to half the second-placed Dens Park side’s current six-point advantage.

On-loan Celtic player Quinn admits the loss of fellow midfielder Liam Craig to suspension is a blow to the team but he insisted: “There are 10 games left and we are looking to win them all. It’s as simple as that. There’s no point in winning at Morton a week after taking three points against the top of the table team only to throw it all away.

“We got a massive three points at Cappielow. We knew beforehand it was a game we had to win.

“There is real belief in the squad and that’s down to Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty. They have given us the confidence that the league is still there to be won.”

On-loan Falkirk player Craig has been outstanding in recent weeks but he’s ruled out of the derby.

Quinn said: “It’s a blow to lose Liam for this one because he has been great for us. But there are options available to the gaffer. That’s down to the quality of the squad he has put together here.

“Dundee are on a really good run and it’s a derby. But we are right behind them and that will give it added spice.”

McInnes has been playing down St Johnstone’s title prospects and yesterday observed: “If Dundee and Hamilton both win and we don’t on any weekend it will be extremely difficult to be contenders. We have to win at Dens Park and not just because it’s a derby with Dundee. With 10 games left we need to win the majority of them to have even half a chance of the title.

“We have to focus on them one at a time and Dundee are next. We did well at a difficult venue on Saturday and there are signs of the winning mentality I wanted from the players. We look a hungry side.

“Dundee probably feel they can’t afford to slip-up this weekend either so there is plenty to play for. It’s certainly crucial for us.

“It is disappointing to lose Liam Craig. I have seen big areas of improvement in his game. It can be difficult coming from the fringes of the SPL or the nice but false football of the reserves. You have to scrap and fight your corner to get a foothold in the game at this level. Liam has given us real drive and presence and has been getting stronger and stronger, although there have been a couple of games where he has struggled a bit with the pace. But overall, I’ve been delighted with him.”

Skipper Kevin James was off work with the flu yesterday after a 20-minute outing in Greenock. Daniel McBreen also made an impact from the bench but McInnes said the striker was still getting knee pain. Defender Stuart McCaffrey, who enjoyed a trouble-free career at Inverness, is sidelined for another fortnight after being ordered to rest. Martin Hardie is still looking to step-up training after a couple of setbacks.

McInnes explained his decision to replace Kevin Rutkiewicz against Morton, noting: “He was feeling his groin before kick-off. Dinky has been a massive player for us and we really hope he’ll be fine for the Dundee game.”