Derek McInnes hoping to secure youths' futures at St Johnstone

Nov 20 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

DEREK McInnes yesterday looked to the future by securing two of St Johnstone’s highly rated teenagers on longer term deals.

Strikers Stevie May and Stephen Reynolds are just 17 but they have already tasted first-team action. Now, they have committed themselves to Saints until 2012, fending off clubs from north and south of the border who have been keeping tabs on them on the U19 stage.

Reynolds has been farmed out on a 28-day loan to Ayr United and had been linked with interest from clubs including Manchester United.

Like May, he made his top team debut against Airdrie in the final game of last season. May, 17 earlier this month, scored within a minute of coming on to secure a place in the club’s history as the youngest ever first team scorer.

Youth coach Alec Cleland welcomed the news that the pair had been secured on extended contracts.

“I’m delighted for them both. They have both been involved in the first team squad and it is great for the rest of the youngsters here.

“It’s good for the club to get them tied-up before others came in for them. We know they have been watched in the U19 games.

“Given the financial state of Scottish football everyone is looking to bring through youth talent. It is becoming more and more important.

“I’ve read of Hamilton and Aberdeen saying how happy they are with the players they are producing. We have been working away in the background and we’re pleased the two lads have shown this commitment to the club.”

Highly regarded Cleland, who has previous coaching experience at Livingston and Inverness, believes Reynolds will return to Perth a better player for his spell at Ayr.

“It’s great to see him off on loan to the First Division. I think it can only be good for youngsters, gaining first team experience in a pressure environment. I realise the gaffer has to cope with the U21 rule but more SPL clubs should be looking to loan youngsters to lower league sides.”

Manager McInnes has been impressed with May and Reynolds and they have become familiar faces around the first team dressing room.

He said: “We have high hopes for a few of the boys here. These two are both goalscorers. Maybe the U21 rule has hampered them a bit. But they have to keep progressing.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s trip to Tynecastle – it has a 12.30pm kick-off – McInnes has been forced to rule out midfielder Martin Hardie with knee ligament damage sustained in a 5-1 midweek bounce game win over Falkirk. He could be out for six weeks but undergoes a scan next week. Steven Anderson has suffered a back injury and is rated very doubtful.

Kevin Moon will make a timely return to the squad after injury and could feature on the bench after a scoring stint against Falkirk. He is joined by Peter MacDonald.

Another plus is that defender Graham Gartland trained yesterday and is set to buck the odds by facing Hearts. He suffered a shoulder injury at Aberdeen but has taken advantage of the international break to receive intensive treatment. Stuart McCaffrey is also available after a groin complaint but striker Kenny Deuchar is doubtful with a groin injury.

McInnes said: “We will test Garts on Friday morning and we have a decision to make. It’s a bonus to have Peaso and Mooner available.

“We were delighted with the way we played against Hearts in Perth and a draw was the least we deserved. But they have only lost to Rangers at home so this is as tough as any away game. But we will go there with the right mindset looking for all three points.”

SAINTS will be selling tickets for tomorrow’s clash with Hearts until 5pm today at McDiarmid. There will be a cash turnstile open at Tynecastle for the game, which has a 12.30pm kick-off. Admission is £22 and £15. Perth fans are in the Roseburn Stand.

ST Johnstone’s home clash with Celtic has been switched to January 24 with a 3.30pm KO. The SPL game will be televised live on Sky.

MCDIARMID hosts the Challenge Cup final between Dundee and Inverness CT on Sunday but it is all-ticket and none will be on sale at the stadium.

A SOLD-OUT testimonial dinner is being held at the Lovat tomorrow night for ex-Saint Charlie King, who now plays for Brechin.

SAINTS skipper Kevin Rutkiewicz will be switching on the Perth Christmas lights on Sunday.