Sam’s not last on St Johnstone's list

May 9 2008

DEREK McINNES this week tied-up Trinidad and Tobago striker Collin Samuel and immediately announced he wants to line-up a magnificent seven frontline.

The arrival of the 26-year-old ex-Dundee United and Falkirk attacker from North American side Toronto – subject to securing a work permit – will have Andy Jackson, Steven Milne, Peter MacDonald, David Weatherston and Gavin Swankie on their mettle next term.

But they can brace themselves for the arrival of another target man to make the battle for first-team places even tougher.

McInnes had been tracking World Cup star Samuel for months, after failing to persuade Toronto chief Maurice Johnston to release his one-time Tannadice colleague while Samuel was training at McDiarmid during the MLS close season. But when he got word that Toronto were prepared to give the green light to the striker to return to his adopted homeland, McInnes set the wheels in motion, knowing American sides were keen to land the Caribbean star.

But no sooner was the ink dry on a contract than McInnes was confessing another striker, a left-back and a keeper were on the wish list.

Caley Thistle’s experienced ex-Ross County and Dundee forward Graham Bayne (28) was being strongly linked with Saints yesterday, and is understood to be one of several candidates being lined-up.

Referring to Samuel and the obvious parallels to be drawn with another Trinidad and ex-United player, Jason Scotland, McInnes noted fans were getting a different type of footballer. He said: “I’m excited about Sammy’s arrival.

“He has pace to burn and he tore through the First Division at Falkirk before earning his move to Tannadice. I was determined to make this happen when we heard we had a chance.

“Unlike most signings from abroad he won’t take time to bed-in. We tried to get him before and Sammy wanted back to Scotland. But he was under contract.

“Even this time there was interest from several US clubs. But we got in quickly.

“He feels this is the right move for him. Toronto didn’t want to lose him seven games into their season.

“It’s unfair to compare Sammy to Jason directly but Collin can play wide or through the middle. He is more versatile, he works hard and can also score goals.

“I feel he can kick on again and get back to the level he should be at. At the time he was at United it didn’t really happen for a few players.

“We have four strikers and I still want a target man type up top. You can never have enough options in that area.”

McInnes leaves on holiday tonight and while his squad will be trimmed from 24, he wants quality throughout pressing for starting slots.

“The chairman, Geoff Brown, has backed me from the start when we see players who will benefit the club.

“We will have more flexibility next season and we are still working on players for a couple of positions.”

Samuel wants to play SPL football with Saints but his first challenge is an international clash with England in the Caribbean next month.

After signing, he said: “I wanted to come back to Scotland. I know most of the players from my time training here and know the manager and Tony Docherty from Dundee United. We had a good understanding. It will be easy to settle in.

“I enjoyed the experience in Toronto even if the weather could be extreme. Scotland can be warmer! But I enjoyed the football more here.”