St Johnstone's Paul Sheerin asks - deal or no deal?

Apr 25 2008

TWELVE months ago Paul Sheerin was seriously contemplating turning part-time.

Now, the veteran midfielder is eager to play a role in St Johnstone’s push for promotion next term.

And that means convincing manager Derek McInnes to deal him in.

The curtain comes down tomorrow on a season with various highs, including the historic Challenge Cup win and another memorable Scottish Cup campaign. The downside was missing out on the title.

The Perth board have slashed prices to a fiver and they’re hoping fans turn out for the home game with Livingston to show their appreciation to the players and management.

Cup semi-final goal maker Sheerin (33), in turn, is eager that a shadow Saints side signs off with a win.

He said: “I was talked out of going part-time last year by my wife. I am glad she made me think again.

“You can’t get your time back in football so I’m trying to make the most of it. After this game is out of the way I’ll speak with the manager and see what his thoughts are. I want to hang in there and play a part next season.

“The Stirling defeat in midweek was disappointing and the squad is really stretched. Obviously it was flatter than at Hampden but the fans who made the trip were the real diehards. It would be good to reward our supporters with a win in the final game of the season.

“And a wee bit extra spending money for the lean summer months would come in handy!”

Manager McInnes, who will shortly announce who is going and who’s staying, admits he’s struggling to create a balanced team for the visit of a Livingston side now secure in the First Division.

Nineteen goal striker Andy Jackson was sent to hospital for a check on his calf after the Stirling defeat, while McInnes is looking to next season by protecting several players from potential bookings and knock-on suspensions. With Kevin James banned after a midweek red card, central defence is a problem area.

McInnes, who sent his players to relax at Perth Races yesterday, said: “Some of the lads looked mentally tired in midweek after the Scottish Cup defeat. It’s not an excuse but it is understandable. However, the boys deserve credit for battling away and should have had more reward.

“I don’t often say this, but I thought the referee had a really poor game.”