Saints set to play their strong arm

Aug 5 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McInnes might have given the league priority status but the Perth manager won’t be protecting first team personnel in tonight’s opening Co-operative Insurance Cup clash against Stenhousemuir.

Even the prospect of playing on the artificial surface at Ochilview won’t influence the manager’s team plans.

In pre-season, several players were spared a shift on the astroturf at Montrose but McInnes is eager to repeat the cup runs of recent seasons, topping them off with a title.

Boosted by an opening day win over Livingston and a clean sheet, McInnes said: “It is a tricky tie but everyone who is fit will be involved.

“This is totally different from pre-season at Montrose when we were managing boys and assessing their fitness. It is too important to the club to treat it lightly.

“We want to progress in the competition so I will field my strongest team.

“The cup runs in recent seasons generated a lot of money for the club but, first and foremost, they provided a lot of enjoyment for the fans and the players.

“We also drew confidence from coming up against SPL sides and seeing them off.

“We want to do as well as we can in the competition, even if the league, as always, remains the priority.”

Striker Peter MacDonald, who opened his account with a goal against Livi, makes his 200th appearance for the club against the Division Three part-timers.

McInnes, who will bring back Steven Milne into the squad after injury – replacing hamstring strain victim Collin Samuel – admits MacDonald’s commitment to the cause is exemplary.

“It was great for Peaso to score and it was a fantastic strike.

“By his own admission he was struggling a bit in pre-season but he always gives you 100 per cent. He is a proper team player.”

While McInnes admitted it was vital Saints got off to a winning start, he was equally pleased with a shut-out, boosting the confidence of young keeper Euan McLean. Alan Main trained yesterday but McLean will face Stenny.

The Perth manager said: “I think the influence of the two Kevins, James and Rutkiewicz, was there for all to see against Livi. They are experienced and they are organisers.

“We got the clean sheet we had been looking for all pre-season and that was pleasing.”

While Liam Craig impressed at full-back before a red card, McInnes is still pressing to bring in a left-back for Saturday’s trip to face Morton. He said: “Liam was terrific and is available for Stenhousemuir. But that isn’t where I envisage him playing.

“We are still chasing targets but if we don’t get a permanent signing I will try for a loan player. It’s even more urgent with Liam suspended this weekend.”

Midfielder Jody Morris could return against Morton and Steven Anderson is also in contention.

McInnes was pleased with Chris Millar’s midfield performance at the weekend, saying: “He will run for you all day and he has real quality. He will enjoy the space at McDiarmid and he was still making a run in the last minute to win us a penalty.”

It’s taken MacDonald longer than expected to reach the 200 milestone, with surgery taking its toll.

He laughed: “It could have been double but for all the injuries!

“It was good to get off to a winning start against a Livi team which has improved from last season. I’m hoping to keep my place. We’ll have as strong a team as possible at Ochilview. There’s no way we will disrespect Stenny.

“We’ve loved our cup runs but to be honest I’d have swapped them for a league championship. Having said that, it would be great to have more cup success this season but win the championship as well. I might as well be greedy!”

TONIGHT’S tie at Stenhousemuir starts at 7.30pm.

Admission is £12 and £6.