Del’s keen to deal in Gary

May 8 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH players have soaked-up the celebrations but it was back to work yesterday in advance of the final day trip to Airdrie.

The Saints line-up will be influenced by next season’s demands but McInnes made it clear he wants to sign off on a winning note.

Airdrie are gripped in a dogfight with Ross County to escape the play-offs.

McInnes stressed that is of no concern to him.

But he said: “We have no obligation to any other club but we do have a responsibility to ourselves and our supporters to get a result.

“The lads have deserved the chance to celebrate for a few days after the pressure that was on them all season. They had a chance to let off steam. But we still have a job to do.

“It’s probably better playing a team with plenty at stake. We know we will have to compete. The last thing we want is to sign off with a disappointing performance.”

Players are planning a sunshine getaway after Tuesday’s Perth victory parade. And any fringe players getting a run will want to stake a claim for next term.

“We should still be strong enough to go and win this game. It’s the last time the fans will see us before next season. There might not be the same drive and urge to win as in recent weeks but we are professionals.”

Out of contract defender Gary Irvine has been linked with interest from Swindon.

But McInnes said: “We have made Gary an offer and he is keen to stay. We expect to hear from him within the next few days.

“Gary has served the club well since coming in from Celtic and we want to keep him here. I believe he is capable of doing a good job in the SPL and he has a chance to prove it with St Johnstone. ”

SAINTS are working on plans for the pre-season now that their SPL status has been secured.