Work plan is OK’d for striker Samuel

Jun 10 2008 by Gordon Bannerman

DEREK McInnes yesterday expressed relief after learning a work permit won’t be required to nail down the services of Collin Samuel.

After securing international clearance, Saints have now formally registered the attacker for the new season.

Yesterday, McInnes said: “Our MD Stewart Duff did a power of work on this so it’s good that it has paid off. We were always quietly confident because of Sammy’s international record, his family ties to Scotland and his previous spell here. But I’m delighted we can now concentrate on getting the best out of him over the next two years.”

The Perth squad doesn’t report back officially until June 25 but several players will be undergoing assessment at the university in Dundee this week.

McInnes, who stressed he was prepared to be patient in adding to his squad, confirmed Peter MacDonald would be ready for pre-season after his hernia op.

He added: “Stuart McCaffrey and Peaso have been working hard over the summer and should be ready. Guys like Kevin James and Martin Hardie have also been big players for the club and a full pre-season will stand them in good stead. The group I have here is very professional in their approach.”

The McDiarmid club are at loggerheads with Falkirk over the scale of fee required for midfielder Liam Craig.

Discussions are ongoing but the rivals are poles apart on their valuation of an out of contract attacking midfielder who committed himself to Perth after a successful loan period last term.

Saints will have to pay compensation for the player but it could be destined for a tribunal, with the Bairns seeking a six-figure sum.