Craig answers the Perth call

Dec 19 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Craig answers the Perth call

DEREK McInnes admits he’s landed lucky with converted midfielder Liam Craig.

The former Falkirk player has adapted superbly to the demands of an unfamiliar left-back role and admits he’d be happy to see it through to the end of the season.

But McInnes still has several targets on the radar for the transfer window.

He said: “We have asked about certain players so we’ll see. But Liam has done very well. He was asked to fill-in by default rather than any good judgement by me. I didn’t see him as a full-back.

“But there’s not many better than him. He has done particularly well. But it’s an area I would still like to strengthened because we lose a bit playing Liam further back.”

Saints make for Airdrie tomorrow intent on posting a third successive clean sheet, with the basement team five points adrift of their nearest rivals after a midweek defeat from Clyde.

Traditionally, Lanarkshire has not been a happy hunting ground but this is a confident side topping the table and seeking to extend their unbeaten run to 13 games.

McInnes expects to have Martin Hardie and Kevin Moon available after missing training with an ankle and hip problems respectively.

He said: “I’m surprised Airdrie find themselves in this situation but they are fighting for their lives and that makes them dangerous. It is always a difficult place to go.

“We haven’t been creating as many chances as we were earlier on this run but we have posted two shut outs. We looked pretty solid at the back against Morton and there’s not a better defender in the division than Kevin Rutkiewicz. He gives us controlled aggression and Stuart McCaffrey is doing well alongside him. The back five has been pretty settled.”

Craig played a handful of reserve games for Ipswich at left-back but admits the role has given him a fresh perspective.

“We’ve kept a few clean sheets while I’ve been playing there so I must be doing something right!

“I’m enjoying it and it’s funny how I’m going into games thinking more about keeping a clean sheet than scoring myself.

“I’ve probably surprised the gaffer and myself by how well I’ve done in the role – because I don’t think I showed any defensive qualities last season!”

He added: “Playing left-back can only help me add to my game because I’m young and still learning every day.

“The manager may well sign someone during the window. I just hope that doesn’t leave me on the bench.

“But anyone coming in here will have to fight for their place. No-one walks into the team. That’s the way it’s become at the club with the squad the gaffer has put together.’’

*STUART McCaffrey will miss the December 27 clash with Clyde. He has picked-up a one game ban.