We can’t feel sorry for ourselves, says Del

Apr 29 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

DEREK McInnes yesterday urged his players not to let their heads drop as St Johnstone’s run of poor results threatens to overshadow their season.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Easter Road, the Saints boss explained his side cannot afford to let their lengthy goal drought affect morale and admitted a positive attitude towards their final four games is of ultimate importance.

Reflecting on Monday’s 3-0 home defeat to Inverness, McInnes said: “The effort and application was spot-on right from the off, but when the second goal went in it looked as if some players felt sorry for themselves.

“The supporters can feel like that but the players have got to keep going. There is no magic wand to make things better, you’ve just got to keep going and working.

“That’s the type of application we want between now and the end of the season.

“For me, as soon as you start thinking it’s not going to be your day then you’re beat. It is only us that can turn it around.”

Damning statistics reveal St Johnstone have now played 1034 minutes – the equivalent of 11 games – without one of their own players scoring in the SPL.

Only finding the net once in the past eleven games – through an own goal by Hibs defender Richie Towell – Stevie May was the last Saints player to score with a double against Hamilton in February.

But McInnes insisted he is in no hurry for the curtain to fall on the season, which has, to date, seen his ninth-placed side take 34 points from 34 games.

He continued: “To be honest, I think if the season was to finish now, then there would be a huge hangover into the close season. We want to try and finish the season in a positive light.

“If we can put a smile on supporters’ faces, whether that is through scoring goals, good performances or better results, then that’s what we’ve got to try and do.

“We want to enjoy the last two or three weeks of the season and the only way we can do that is by getting results.”

Defenders Steven Anderson and Michael Duberry are set to miss their second match due to suspension, whilst midfielder Liam Caddis is sidelined with a strained medial ligament.

Despite having his eyes firmly fixed on Saints’ four remaining fixtures, which also see Saints face Aberdeen, Hamilton and St Mirren, McInnes revealed he may add to the squad within the next fortnight.

“We are well down the road speaking to a few players,” he said.

“There is nothing imminent but work has been getting done on that [looking at new players] for the past few months. There are areas which are a priority and other areas we’d just like to strengthen.

“I think there will be signings before the end of the season, but I must stress the fact not to expect anything in the next week.”

However, the manager also conceded players may leave the club, with recent speculation linking midfielder Murray Davidson with a transfer to England.

McInnes added: “I think he has been playing at a very consistent level this season.

“I’m not surprised by the interest. I must stress the fact that I don’t want him to go, but you can’t stop interest.”

Recently returning from a traumatic cruciate ligament injury, midfielder Kevin Moon is hoping to continue his comeback in tomorrow’s match and help break the team’s goal duct.

He said: “When I’ve been out for so long, I need to come in and do well when given the opportunity.

“We want to show fans we all still want to play for St Johnstone and get good results for them, especially after the disappointment of the cup semi-final.

“It’s hard when you look at the stats and see how long it has been since we scored. But we are creating chances and still think our luck will turn.”