St Johnstone will unveil new signing at the weekend

Apr 11 2008

ST JOHNSTONE fans will get a glimpse of new signing Chris Millar this weekend.

The highly rated Morton midfielder was snapped up at the turn of the year on a pre-contract by manager Derek McInnes.

But attempts to prise him out of Cappielow foundered, with mixed messages emanating from the Greenock club before they replaced boss Jim McInally with Davie Irons.

McInnes said: “The uncertainty hasn’t affected Chris and pre-contracts are becoming more and more common. Knowing the type of lad he is I knew he wouldn’t let it impact on his game.

“The only reason I was disappointed not to get him here early was because of the messages coming out of Morton. At one stage they weren’t going to play Chris. That’s why I was keen to get a deal done. But he has shown his commitment, work rate and quality – all reasons why I want him here next season. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

In league terms, the fixture is of little consequence to St Johnstone but with the small matter of a Scottish Cup semi-final next on the agenda, Derek McInnes is demanding a morale boosting win and performance.

The form has slipped after a magnificent cup win against St Mirren and McInnes wants that addressed before prospective Hampden opponents Rangers and Partick Thistle go head to head on Sunday.

The manager admitted the lure of the semi-final may have diverted attention from recent league games, despite determined efforts to maintain focus.

He said: “We need to get back to winning ways. Maybe the boys have been slightly sidetracked, with one eye on the semi-final. We have been at pains to stress we want to be playing well going into the game but we were lacklustre at Hamilton last week.

“Our season is coming down to one massive game for the club and that means I have to take on board the risk factor with players this weekend. Next Sunday could set-up a fantastic end to our season.”

That means McInnes is unlikely to risk calf knock victim Jody Morris this weekend, preserving the midfielder for cup duty. Rocco Quinn will also miss out with a hamstring injury. But keeper Alan Main is set to resume between the sticks.

“If this was a do or die game I might be tempted to pitch in players carrying knocks. But without devaluing the Morton match, the semi-final is in the back of my mind when it comes to team selection. I won’t take unnecessary chances,” said McInnes.

“I want to see the defenders keeping a clean sheet and strikers scoring goals going into next weekend’s game. That makes the Morton game important individually and as a team.”

It’s a vital match for Morton, a side which has won just once in the last 10 to stumble into the play-off slot.

McInnes said: “It’s good for us to have opposition with plenty to play for. I’m surprised they are in this position and the First Division is better for having Morton in it. They will be doing their utmost to keep out of the Second Division so this will be a real test.”

On the plus side, long-term casualties Kevin James, Martin Hardie and Daniel McBreen are back in contention. All three got varying degrees of game time in the reserves this week.

“There has been no adverse reaction and I will look again at them after Friday training,” said McInnes. “They are three big, physical players. I will see how they go but it would be good to give them some more football.”

McBreen has been grounded by a knee injury but admits his morale was boosted by a 20-minute run against East Fife Reserves and scoring the winner with his second touch.

He could figure on the bench tomorrow, saying: “It was a psychological boost. Now we’ll see how the knee reacts to training and take it from there. I would love to figure against Morton and maybe come into contention for the semi-final.

“That would be a bonus. But I also have to think longer term. If my knee went again by forcing things I’d be hanging from the rafters.

“It would be brilliant to be involved at some stage this weekend. I came here to play football. It has been so frustrating.

“I have been made very welcome at the club and my girlfriend and I have settled well back in Scotland.

“We’ll see what happens in the summer.”