St Johnstone manager upbeat on season prospects

Apr 8 2008

SAINTS boss Derek McInnes yesterday resisted the temptation to haul his players over the coals following Saturday’s New Douglas Park debacle.

While the wounds inflicted during the 2-0 loss to Hamilton remained raw, the McDiarmid Park gaffer was doing his best to remain upbeat about his side’s prospects for the remainder of the season.

With a Scottish Cup semi-final against either Rangers or Partick just a game away, McInnes knows his men must bounce back quickly after a winless run now numbering four games.

“The players have got be made aware that Saturday’s performance won’t be accepted,” the player boss told PA Sport. “Nobody’s glossing over things. Hamilton may be top, but that doesn’t wash with me.

“We should have caused them a lot more problems and to lose two goals from set-plays was disappointing.

“But we’ve got a real chance of making history for the club by reaching the Scottish Cup Final, so the players can’t just let the season peter out.

“If we get through the semi, given the opposition we could face, we’ve got every chance of winning a cup.

“It’s important we get focused and positive again.”

Saints are sure to face another difficult hurdle on Saturday at home against Morton, who are battling against relegation, and McInnes said none of his charges can afford to don the kid gloves again if they hope to figure at Hampden.

“The most disappointing thing was there was an acceptance about us at Hamilton and it looked like an end of season game with nothing to play for,” he said. “That was as poor as we’ve been all season. It was lacklustre.

“But we’ll clear the air today, say what needs to be said, then concentrate on the Morton game.”

Midfielder Jody Morris is doubtful for the game after a calf twinge sustained just prior to kick-off meant he had to be replaced by Kevin Moon in Saturday’s starting line-up.

“Given the plastic surface and the importance of the game in a couple of weeks we felt it wasn’t worth risking Jody,” explained McInnes. “We are hoping it’ll settle down in a few days and he might be back for Saturday.”

Rocco Quinn is still recovering from the hamstring strain that curtailed his substitute appearance, but long-term absentee Daniel McBreen, though still not fully fit, was able to train yesterday.

McInnes explained why he gave Moon and Kevin Cuthbert, who was making his first start of the season in goal, the nod.

“Cat has been a terrific professional all season, setting a real high standard for himself in training,” he said. “Alan Main has had a slight thigh problem but I felt Cat deserved to get a game.

“We needed someone who was a bit defensive minded and Mooner was right, especially given that Rocco had only had two days training.

“Mooner’s a young lad who’s learning and he didn’t let anyone down.

“The team didn’t play well individually or as a group so it was difficult for certain ones coming back in.”

Perth-born Moon (20) said he was delighted to have been given another chance to stake a semi-final claim.

“I didn’t know I was playing until the warm-up,” he said. “Jody was struggling with his calf and I got told to get ready to start. It was a bit unexpected but I was just happy to go on and play.”

However, the midfielder said recent league results had taken the shine off Saints’ cup exploits.

“It’s been really disappointing, especially in the run-up to Hampden when we could have done with a bit more momentum,” said Moon.

“After the way we missed out on promotion last year, obviously we would still have liked to still be in with a chance of the league.

“We all want to give it a better shot next year but we’re only focused on the build-up to the semi-final right now.”

Moon said being involved in the big cup clash would be a bonus in his first full season at first team level.

“Whatever team the manager picks has to do a job,” he said.

“I would love to be involved, whether it’s just on the bench or playing.

“It would be a dream come true to get the nod and be in or around the squad.

“But I’m happy with my progress this season. I’ve come on a lot under the new manager and am pleased with the number of games I’ve had.”

McInnes was planning to give himself a rare run-out beside Martin Hardie, Kevin James, David Weatherston, Kevin Cuthbert and some of the club’s younger players in a reserve fixture at East Fife last night.

With an eye towards bolstering his squad for next season, another player expected to figure in the game was ex-Cardiff and MK Dons signing Nick McCoy (21), a six-foot midfielder who is on trial with Saints.

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TICKETS for the Scottish Cup semi-final on April 20 go on general sale today.

The McDiarmid Park office will be open from 9.30am-6.30pm today until Thursday, and from 9.30am-5pm on Friday.

Tickets cost £22 and £25 (family section £15 and U16s £5) for Hampden’s South Stand.