Del focuses only on derby

Apr 24 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Del focuses only on derby

PERTH manager Derek McInnes isn’t even contemplating the outside chance of the title falling into his lap if Partick and Morton slip-up this weekend

He stressed: “All the focus is on the Dundee game. I’ve not even thought about other teams. We are just trying to win a football match.

“We need two wins for the title and that is the way we are looking at it.”

Jody Morris – pictured right – is set to return from a two month lay-off with a knee injury to anchor the midfield. He scored in his debut at Dens and his experience at Champions League level with Chelsea could prove invaluable. Morris played 90 minutes in a 3-3 closed doors clash with a Celtic team in midweek. Graham Barrett bagged two and hot teenage prospect Stephen Reynolds was also on target.

Morris, one of several key men denied McInnes for most of the campaign, is likely to be joined by defender Stuart McCaffrey, who has sat out the last two games. On loan Rangers full-back Steven Kinniburgh is also in the squad.

McInnes said: “The game can’t come quick enough. It’s perfect for us. We will have to play with an edge and that’s when we are at our best.

“Dundee will be up for it and rightly so but we are ready to go there and compete. We will meet them head-on. We will have the hunger and drive needed to get the result.

“There is so much to play for at the club and I’ve stressed to the players they should enjoy every minute of it.

“We are ready to make amends for last weekend and send our fans home happy.”

SAINTS assistant manager Tony Docherty this week welcomed the arrival of a new baby. He and his wife Sharon have had a daughter, Isabella.

AROUND 2500 fans are expected to travel to Dens for the derby tomorrow. Saints are opening the McDiarmid ticket office today from 9.30am to 5pm for all supporters and again tomorrow from 11am to noon for fans planning to travel at the last minute. Prices are £17 and £10.

POPULAR former Saints manager Alex Totten is a business club guest for tomorrow’s derby.