Options kept open

Jul 15 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McINNES is scouring the continent to pinpoint a left-back for the new season.

The Perth manager took a close look at Polish American trialist David Topolski in the weekend 1-1 draw at Montrose and a decision has gone on hold while he assesses two fresh candidates.

It was the official St Johnstone photocall yesterday, with the customary japes, but the left-back slot remains vacant.

McInnes has a French trialist on board for two days and he’ll play in today’s closed doors game with East Stirling. He also has a German flying in later in the week.

The manager said: “David showed he has certain attributes and got forward for a deflected equaliser. But we have a few other people coming in to have a look at so there will be no quick decision.

“We haven’t seen the other trialists play but it is important to get the right man in.”

The methodical Saints manager has slotted in another closed doors game on Thursday.

He has fixed-up a run-out with a Romanian outfit managed by Dan Petrescu, a former Chelsea team mate of midfielder Jody Morris.

His UEFA Cup qualifiers, FC Timosoare, beat Dunfermline 4-1 in Austria last week.

Reflecting on the first public outing in Saturday’s draw at Links Park, McInnes summed-up it up as a “mixed bag.”

He said: “We were sloppy at times, especially for their goal, but there were also aspects to be pleased about. It was a good pre-season work-out which went on to have a competitive edge.

“Players got 90 minutes in them and that was the over-riding priority. Guys that were left out because of the artificial surface will play against East Stirling. And on Saturday we play Inverness Caley Thistle.

“I felt we didn’t ask enough questions of Montrose at the weekend. We have to play at a pace to upset the opposition.

“We aren’t the finished article yet but there is still work to be done.”

Striker Andy Jackson is determined to bag more than 20 goals this season - and if he hits his target McInnes will happily dig deep into his own pocket.

The pair have struck a special side bet but Jackson’s weekend spot-kick miss at Montrose didn’t help advance his claim to be the club’s penalty taker in the season ahead.

Liam Craig, Peter MacDonald and Paul Sheerin will all be keen to take them and Jackson bagged 19 goals last term without penalties.

McInnes said: “The day before the lads returned to training Andy rang and mentioned the bet. He is confident he’ll get at least 20 goals and I’ve told him they have to be league goals!

“Any striker scoring goals will stay in the team and obviously we have a few options now. We will have to come up with the right selection for each game.

“Andy struck a poor penalty at Montrose but he is a confident lad and I’ve a lot of time for him. Like others here he is desperate to work hard, learn and better himself. Sometimes it’s hard getting them off the training pitch.

“The challenge for Andy will be building on his success of last season. This time round he won’t be a surprise package for First Division defenders. They know he can hurt them.”