Over the Moon with new deal

May 13 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

KEVIN Moon is “delighted” to have signed a new contract at Saints.

The 23-year-old midfielder, whose contract was set to expire in the summer, has been thrown a lifeline by boss Derek McInnes after spending the best part of a year sidelined due to a traumatic cruciate ligament injury.

Moon, who put pen to paper on the six-month deal this week, knows he has to impress and remain injury free in order to secure a long-term future at the club.

Speaking to the PA yesterday, the highly regarded playmaker said: “I never knew if I’d be offered a new deal because I was obviously out for so long, but I’m delighted.

“I’ve now got to come in and prove that I have put my knee problems behind me.

“I just want to put an end to it and just get myself prepared for next season. I’ll be doing a lot of work throughout the close season, being out is mentally draining too.

“It’s up to me now, the club have shown faith in me and I will try to repay them.”

Moon, who has only played in eight games this season, slotted home St Johnstone’s winner at Easter Road on April 30, to send the Perth club on their current three-match winning run.

Saints boss Derek McInnes admitted that although he is a keen admirer of Moon’s talent, the Perth-born lad has a lot of work ahead of him to secure a longer deal.

He said: “I’ve liked Kevin Moon from the first day I signed for St Johnstone and I like him even more since I’ve now worked with him closely.

“He has had an absolutely horrendous time with injuries, but you can see when he plays he brings something to the team.

“I wanted to give him an opportunity, it is only a six month deal so he still has it all to do.

“In the current climate clubs can’t be carrying players who have a history of carrying a lot of injuries.

“I’m glad he has jumped at the chance to commit himself. He just needs to stay fit and if he does, he is a huge asset to our club.”