Lomas draws-up new deal for Mooner

Nov 22 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PERTH managers have exited Ibrox Stadium with a point just twice in the last 40 years.

So St Johnstone debutant Steve Lomas had plenty to smile about yesterday as he reflected on a heroic performance from players who cemented their growing reputation as away day specialists.

Even an altercation with the long arm of the law during his first shift in Scottish football could not dilute the Irishman’s justifiable satisfaction with a fine day’s work on Clydeside.

Lomas refused to let a post-match intervention from the police match commander take the shine off a fine performance and result, dismissing it as “a storm in a teacup.”

He said: “I don’t want anything to detract from the players efforts against Rangers. They were magnificent.

“There were reports that I had been cautioned by the police over a gesture during the game but that simply wasn’t the case.

“I find it all very disappointing.

“I didn’t even speak to a police officer at the weekend although referee Euan Norris told me the match commander had insisted he include an issue with some of my language and a gesture in his report.

“I find it hard to believe, to be frank, and I would be very disappointed if it went any further with the football authorities.

“I don’t recall any gesture but it certainly wasn’t directed at anyone in particular or designed to be offensive.

“It was probably down to frustration with myself or a player as much as anything.

“The fourth official Craig Thomson certainly seemed to accept that and it wasn’t directed at a referee who handled the game very well.

“I was just delighted my lads didn’t go to Ibrox, roll over and have their tummy tickled.”

Lomas, who revealed he has given priority status to securing home grown midfielder Kevin Moon on an extended contract, believes the Perth squad is brimming with potential.

He said: “It is remarkable to be coming away from a venue like Ibrox being a bit disappointed with a draw.

“The lads put in a superhuman effort and they have set a benchmark for themselves in my first game in charge.

“If I was going to nit-pick I might have looked for a wee bit more composure in the opposition box but that is the hardest thing when you have put in so much both mentally and physically.”

Lomas revealed Fate dealt him a hand when striker Cillian Sheridan was forced out of his plans with a recurrence of a hamstring problem on Friday.

That gave Murray Davidson free rein to support lone striker Fran Sandaza and the midfielder’s first start since August prompted the manager to place a £1 million price on his prized asset. That, presumably, will scare off cash-strapped Rangers and give former manager Derek McInnes food for thought at Bristol City.

“I have read match reports and it is all about how Rangers played but I suppose that is the way it is when you are considered one of the smaller teams in the SPL,” said Lomas, quickly becoming familiar with the nature of the media beast north of the border.

“We had some stand-out performances but from one to 11 we were superb and the subs also played their part.”

The only blemish was a hamstring ailment which forced skipper Jody Morris off in the closing stages.

“He will be assessed as the week pans-out but could be doubtful for the home game with Hibs.

Yesterday Lomas revealed that midfielder Moon had already won him over.

Currently operating on a short-term contract to prove his fitness, Moon is now ready to extend his stay.

Lomas said: “I want Mooner here. I know he has had niggling injuries in the past and maybe we have to look at how we handle him.

“But he reminds me of a younger version of Jody Morris.

“We are in the process of sorting out a new contract and I don’t envisage any problems.

“He has a great engine and he is a local lad. He is going to be an integral part of the team going forward.

“Mooner just has to believe in himself a little bit more and performances like the one he put in at Ibrox should help.

“He snuffed out Steven Davis, who is arguably the most influential midfielder in Scotland.”

Lomas added: “It was a great point for us in Glasgow but it will be an even better one if we follow it up with a win at home this weekend.

“The lads have enjoyed their weekend and they should be proud of their feat. But now it is time to put it to bed, go again and build on the confidence they should take from yet another good performance away from home.

“They should believe in themselves even more.

“But no one will be thinking too far ahead. In my experience that’s when things go crash, bang wallop.”

Defensive stalwart Fraser Wright told PA Sport: “We were brilliant. That was probably the most comfortable I can ever remember being at Ibrox.

“The manager made sure in our preparations that we didn’t concentrate too much about Rangers. We were due to watch a video of them on Friday but he cancelled it and told us it was all about us.

“I’ve had some bad defeats there over the years but that’s another great result away from home against the Old Firm and another clean sheet.

“We went on a wee run after the win at Parkhead so hopefully we’ll go on another one now.

“It isn’t a long time since the manager was a player himself so he’s been able to relate well with the players. He hasn’t changed things too much. If it isn’t broke why fix it.

“We’re not thinking about the top six yet. We’ll get the Festive period out of the way and then we’ll look at where we can finish.”