It’s Millar-time at McDiarmid

Aug 1 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

CHRIS Millar spent half last season in turmoil as Saints and Morton played out a public tug o’ war for his services.

But the Cappielow fans’ favourite conducted himself with admirable professionalism after agreeing a pre-contract with the Perth club in January.

Caught up in a relegation dogfight, Morton held onto him and the midfielder later rebuffed a more lucrative contract designed to prompt a U-turn and keep him in Greenock.

On the eve of the new league campaign, Millar stressed: “I wanted to come here from the moment Saints came in for me. It was a difficult time but it has made me a stronger character.

“I’m here with the aim of winning the league. I want to play at the top level with St Johnstone.

“Maybe there was more money on offer at Morton but it’s about ambition. Hopefully I will be involved in a promotion battle this season.

“I fully appreciate I’ve got a fight on my hands for a starting place.

“With the options available to the manager, everyone understands that if you’re not on your game you’ll be on the bench or even worse.”

Millar admits the Challenge Cup performance and defeat at Ross County was disappointing.

But with Livingston in town tomorrow, he said: “We are keen to get off to a good start in the opening weeks of the season.

“It might take time for the team to settle but we want to get wins under our belt quickly.

“I wasn’t here but I’m well aware a poor start cost Saints the title last season.”

Millar knows from his time at Morton that First Division rivals up their game when they arrive at McDiarmid.

“Saints, he said, have to handle that added pressure to achieve their goal.

He is also backing Perth personnel to close the back door and stop leaking the goals which have been evident in pre-season.

“We are disappointed with our defending as a team. It hasn’t been good enough. But we have players at the back with SPL experience and we will tighten-up.”