Savo stays to take Saints up

Feb 27 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

HE played more than 100 times for Dundee but he has become a St Johnstone hero.

And yesterday striker and top scorer Steven Milne committed himself to Perth through to the summer of 2011 after signing a 12-month extension.

Manager Derek McInnes described it as a “a massive boost” on the eve of the club’s biggest derby date since St Johnstone clinched a UEFA Cup place by defeating Dundee 10 years ago.

McInnes explained: “Savo had another 18 months left on his contract but I have a high regard for him and hopefully his best years are still ahead of him.

“I firmly believe he is top class and definitely a Premier League player. Hopefully he will help us get there.”

Milne (28) was wanted by Inverness Caley Thistle during the transfer window and that prompted talks.

The one-time Dens youth product, who endured an injury-plagued spell at Plymouth before moving to Saints four years ago, said: “I’ve always been happy here. I love it at McDiarmid. We had a chat in January when there was some interest from other clubs and this is the result.

“I wanted to stay so I’m delighted. The aim since I arrived here was to get to the Premier League. It would be great to make it back this season.”

Milne will spearhead the attack tomorrow and Saints will create an all-time club record if they avoid defeat, stretching their unbeaten run to 20 games. But McInnes and his injury-hit squad are more intent on a victory which will strengthen their hand in the charge for the championship.

While several stars are sidelined, McInnes expects to have regular right-back Gary Irvine in his line-up, despite an injury scare which prompted a scan after the Queen of the South game.

Irvine, who feared he would be sidelined for weeks, like fellow casualty Jody Morris, admitted he endured a tortuous wait before getting the all-clear. He said: “I was fearing the worst because the tackle caught me high and there was a lot of movement in my knee. Fortunately the scan showed it was severe bone bruising and nothing more sinister. The physio, Nick Summersgill, has been surprised at how quickly I’ve recovered this week. I haven’t trained fully but I’m hoping to make it for Saturday.

“It’s going to be a big game. It’s a derby which will attract a good crowd. It’s an important one for both teams.

“Dundee have to get something out of the game to stay afloat. We are looking for a win to put them to bed.”

It will attract the stadium’s biggest league attendance of the campaign, less than 24 hours after a rugby international. The timing has irritated the Dundee camp and Perth boss McInnes admits the pitch is poor. Chairman Geoff Brown has called in consultants with a view to nursing it along and planning for next season.

But Brown stressed the blame couldn’t be laid at the door of rugby, with just one previous match at McDiarmid since the turn of the year.

But McInnes admitted: “The pitch is a concern. There’s no getting away from that. As a club we are disappointed by its deterioration.

“Players want to perform on a good surface and it’s as bad as you’ll find at the moment. But we have to deal with that and make sure it isn’t a factor.”

With Morris out, McInnes has an enforced change to make in the engine room. Kevin Moon is fit again and Martin Hardie got 90 minutes in the reserves earlier in the week. Gavin Swankie will also be keen to face his former club.

McInnes said: “We have options in there. But we always look at each game separately and try to pinpoint the strongest line-up.

“The eleven who start will be chosen because, as ever, we are looking to be positive and win.”

Recent derbies have favoured the home teams and McInnes said: “We haven’t lost at McDiarmid since August and have to make home advantage count in our favour.”

With Andy Jackson and Collin Samuel ruled out, and Peter MacDonald returning to training today, McInnes will rely on Derek Holmes and Stevie Milne up front, with Barrett providing back-up on the bench.

In defence, he has to decide between Graham Gartland and Stuart McCaffrey, with Richie Byrne making a derby debut at left-back.

McInnes declared: “Obviously Dundee have had a couple of good results and will be trying to put us under a bit of pressure. We are ready to meet that head on.”

Saints will go nine points clear of the third placed Dark Blues with a home win. And that enjoys priority over the club record.

McInnes said: “If we draw and beat the current club record of 19 games undefeated created in 1963 we’ll be disappointed. There is a bigger picture – trying to win this league.”