St Johnstone gaffer Derek McInnes returns from Juventus visit

Nov 24 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McINNES returns today from a flying visit to Italy, after taking in Sampdoria and Juventus “Serie A” games as part of his two-year pro licence programme.

The Perth manager also enjoyed a close look behind the scenes at Sampdoria, assessing the technical, training and administration infrastructure at a leading Italian club.

“I’m here with Malkay Mackay and Sandy Stewart. Sandy, who is with Owen Coyle at Burnley, and I keep in regular touch and he’s never slow to remind me he was the manager when we won the Challenge Cup with Saints!” said McInnes.

“It’s been hectic but informative. We are taking a close look at Sampdoria’s youth set-up. Hopefully Saints will benefit from this.”

McInnes was delighted to call upon Kevin Moon again, with the midfielder playing his part in a weekend win over Hearts.

“Any win, especially away from home, should be enjoyed by everyone at Saints. The focus has been on Hearts and their problems but they had only lost to Rangers at home. It is a tough place to win.

“We might have been tempted to bring back Mooner before he was ready because he is so highly thought of here. But last week’s game with Falkirk boosted his confidence. That was the upside of a game in which we lost Martin Hardie for the season.

“We regard Mooner very highly and it’s great to have a Saints fan in the team. Hopefully we can keep him on an even keel because he has an important role to play for us.”

Moon has recovered from a niggling groin complaint, which has involved all manner of treatment.

“I’m not sure if Mooner’s gumshield is doing any good but if it helps his confidence it can only be good. Now he has an excuse for not talking!” laughed McInnes.

Graham Gartland missed the Hearts game after a Friday relapse and his shoulder injury will be assessed by a specialist today.

Steven Anderson is back in training and while Kenny Deuchar missed out yesterday the striker should be ready later in the week. Steven Milne may also return to training in the next few days and long-term absentee Andy Jackson is progressing well.