Saints defender is striking back

Mar 11 2008

KEVIN James is ready to play a captain’s role for Perth boss Derek McInnes.

The St Johnstone defender has managed just two starts after surgery this season – both against Queen of the South – but he’s providing valuable cover in the closing stages of the campaign.

Cup semi-finalists Queen of the South are at McDiarmid tonight, with the Perth side eager to follow them into the final four with a replay win over St Mirren in Paisley next Tuesday.

Victory there would set-up McInnes for a clash with Rangers or Partick Thistle in April.

And James is adamant Perth prospects of making another semi-final are alive and kicking after coming agonisingly close to burying the Buddies at the weekend.

He has only started against the Dumfries side this term but expects to be answering emergencies for the next few weeks.

James, who caused chaos in the St Mirren defence in the closing minutes, said: “I have been thrown in up front at clubs down the years but I’m no striker.

“I managed a couple of flick ons and it was worth the gamble in a cup tie.

“Maybe Andy Jackson is keeping a goal for the replay.

“I’ve been out for six months after knee surgery and I need games.

“But we have a hectic Tuesday/Saturday programme and no reserve games. I am just happy to help out from the bench.

“It’s not the perfect scenario but I’m just delighted to be involved again.

“I can be an emergency centre-half or centre-forward. It gives the gaffer an option. But playing up front isn’t a role I enjoy. I like seeing the ball coming toward me. The gaffer likes to play football through the midfield but sometimes it can cause havoc throwing the ball into the mix.”

James insists St Johnstone can still progress, despite wincing as the Buddies snatched a replay.

“There were a lot of positives. We restricted an SPL side to just one chance. They did take it but we go into the replay knowing we are capable of beating them. But first and foremost we have to beat Queen of the South.

“The league is our main priority and yes our chances might be slim. But anything can happen in football. The cup is a welcome bonus.”

McInnes has Steven Anderson and Liam Craig suspended again for league duty so there will be changes. Daniel McBreen is still out and Stuart McCaffrey faces at least three more weeks on the sidelines. Jamie McCluskey and Andy Lawrie, both going out of contract, face surgery next week. Sean Lynch and Greg Cameron are still out of the equation. Keeper Alan Main is a doubt after picking-up a calf injury.

The manager said: “There are 27 points left to play for and there’s no point being an up and down team. We want consistency and we’ll see where it takes us.

“The defeat at Dumfries is the only time since I became manager that we deserved nothing from a game.

“Motivation should not be a problem.

“The attitude has to be like it was against St Mirren.

“I was pleased with the performance and commitment of the team at the weekend.

“The result was a bit harsh on the boys.

“But we are still in the cup and we showed we have Premier League class players here. There isn’t a lot between the teams.

“We will go to Paisley looking to win the replay, without a shadow of doubt.”