Winning Garts and minds

Feb 3 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

STUART McCaffrey has already seen enough of new recruit Graham Gartland to believe Saints have secured a major asset in their push for the title.

The former Drogheda defender made his debut in the scoreless draw in Greenock, helping secure a fifth clean sheet in the past six games.

Manager Derek McInnes adopted a 3-5-2 formation to accommodate the Irishman, who hasn’t played first team football for several months.

He first appearance was delayed by a knee knock in training.

McCaffrey said: “Garts did very well against Morton. It was an exceptional effort to get through 90 minutes.

“He speaks well. In fact he never shuts-up!

“I played with him in a bounce game against Rangers at Murray Park and I could see the quality. He is a great addition to the squad.

“It was straight into the first team because the weather has ruled out reserve matches. But as a player you relish that sort of challenge.

“Given the way Morton play to Kevin Cuthbert’s long kicks, Garts won’t have to deal with more headers in any game this season.”

McCaffrey is delighted with the defensive record and, like manager McInnes, he’s backing the strikers to come good.

“Keeping clean sheets gives you a real chance and the strikers will bounce back and start scoring.

“We’ll get a three or four goal win and they’ll kick on.

“Derek Holmes deserves goals for the quality of his play.

“We know how important he is to the team. Ask any striker who plays alongside him and they’ll tell you how much they appreciate his workrate and the knocks he takes.”

With Dunfermline slipping six points behind, Partick and Livingston are now closest to the Perth side.

McCaffrey believes that will work in St Johnstone’s favour.

“There are a few teams in the pack chasing us but they will play each other so they can’t all win. If we keep picking up points we can stay clear of them.”

McInnes admitted it was a concern that the goals weren’t flowing but he stressed: “It’s not a cause for panic.

“We got a top performance from the players against Morton, apart from goals to top it off. If we were struggling and lucky to come away with a point I might be worried. But we are playing with commitment and we’re full of confidence.

“One frustrating aspect is that we do need to work the goalkeeper more and get more attempts on target.

“I have the players here to do that. It’s not a major concern.

“It’s really pleasing that five of the last six games have seen clean sheets.

“That gives us a platform to work from.

“It would have been six but for a late goal at Airdrie. Six of the seven draws during this 16-game unbeaten run have been away from home and at some tough venues.”

McInnes was pleased with Gartland’s debut, noting: “The three at the back were very solid and Graham had a sound debut.”

Top scorer Stevie Milne limped off with a hamstring injury minutes before the interval at Greenock.

McInnes said: “Savo is having a scan but we’re hopeful it’s not too serious.

“He is certainly doubtful for the trip to Ross County but hopefully he’ll be ready for the Livi game.”