No openings in the Saints’ star eleven?

Oct 28 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

IT’S a long haul up the A9 but Kevin James and Jody Morris are looking forward to this afternoon’s reserve game in Dingwall.

It’s the latest stage in a controlled comeback programme.

Morris could play his way into contention for the weekend squad making for Dunfermline, where Saints fans were already plotting a massive turn-out even before their team posted 16 points from 18 to haul themselves from second bottom to second top.

Club captain James suspects he will require more game time before returning from knee surgery and bone bruising which extended his time on the sidelines.

“I suspect Jody and I will be the only ones looking forward to Dingwall. We’ve had totally different injuries but now we need games. If I can get a few reserve games under my belt I can kick on again,” he said.

But with the Perth defence conceding just one goal in their last four outings, James admitted there’s no easy passage back into the starting eleven.

“Players shouldn’t be able to walk back into any team. That’s why we have a big squad. If you are injured or lose form, you pay the consequences. Players have to deliver the goods,” he said.

“But with players like myself, Jody and Collin Samuel available it puts pressure on other.

“There’s pressure here to win the league and that can entice people to perform to their best.”

James defended a backline which bore the brunt of early season woes.

“Maybe people are jumping back on our bandwagon after a few good results. We’ve thoroughly deserved the 16 points and everyone at the club deserves credit for the turnaround.

“But the defence was getting caned for losing goals and it’s always easy to blame the backline.

“But sometimes there are other circumstances. I thought they got a raw deal. We are a unit and now they are getting the recognition they deserve.”

James and Morris have supported a resolute management team despite being unavailable.

The skipper said: “Obviously there’s a role for me as club captain but experienced players like Jody are also in the dressing room before, during and after games geeing-up players.”

But James credited manager Derek McInnes and assistant Tony Docherty for transforming the team’s fortunes.

McInnes was impressed with the latest victory over Partick Thistle, forged in conditions labelled “horrendous.”

He said: “The boys were first class from start to finish. “They got the job done and played some good stuff at times.

“If you were nitpicking we could have had more goals but we were the better side throughout. It was a real solid team performance.

“Sixteen points from 18 is good form but we have to keep it going.

“I never doubted the ability of the players but we have added what is required in this division.

“There has been a huge improvement and long may it continue. But no one is getting carried away and we are just concentrating on the next game, which is against Dunfermline.”

Samuel was restored to the bench at the weekend after impressing in training on Friday, with McInnes stating: “I felt he would make an impact if he was needed. He’ll also play against Ross County reserves.

“It’s always good to have options and we haven’t had to throw players back in. We only have Euan McLean and Andy Jackson in the treatment room, and Jacko could be fit for Saturday.

KEVIN James has pioneered the way for Kevin Moon and Steven Anderson to return from injuries. The defender was first to try out sugar injections from Leicester-based doctor Roger Oldham. The specialist has an impressive track record, treating Wigan and Man Utd stars. James said: “He sorted me out and now Ando and Mooner have benefited.”