St Johnstone will be fielding their strongest possible team for today’s crunch clash with Stirling Albion.
That’s the message from Perth manager Tommy Wright as League Cup Group B reaches an exciting climax at McDiarmid Park.
Stuart McLaren’s Binos head for the Fair City with the opportunity to knock Saints from the top of the table. The visitors sit one point behind heading into the final game.
The eight group winners and four best runners-up will join European representatives Celtic, Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian in Sunday afternoon’s knockout stage draw.
Wright, who watched his side fall to a penalty shoot-out defeat at Brechin on Tuesday, said: “We did more than enough to win the game after being hit by a counter attack.
“We had more than enough opportunities and could have been a bit more ruthless. But looking at the start we have made to the season, performances have been solid.
“Now we have to beat a Stirling side which has been doing really well and who will fancy their chances after a good start to the campaign.
“There have been a few upsets in the competition and you can see how it happens. Some players might think they’re still in pre-season mode but I don’t think you can point the finger at us.
“There’s no way we will be taking Stirling lightly. We will be putting out a strong team again. There is a balance to be struck between preparing for the league campaign and picking up wins to advance in the cup.
“I think we have got it right. The changes in midweek didn’t weaken the team. We just didn’t get the result the performance deserved.”
In terms of team selection, Wright confirmed Alan Mannus will be back in between the posts. And the Perth boss knows he has a decision to make before the Scottish Premiership start-up.
“Alan Mannus will come in for Saturday and I will then make the decision on who plays against Aberdeen. They have both done well in pre-season and it’s a good dilemma for a manager to have.
“Paton and Davidson came in at Brechin and were excellent. They are both players who are aggressive and can put in tackle but they proved they can play together.
“Paul also showed he has a good range of passing and has quality on the ball. He gave Murray the freedom to get forward.”
The depth of the Saints squad will become fully aware when a number of players return from
injury.
And Wright said: “Keith Watson will be kept back this week. David Wotherspoon will hopefully be getting a lighter cast on which will allow him to play. He is seeing the specialist again.
“But I don’t think he will feature this weekend. He is fit enough but he probably needs a run.
“Dave Mackay is getting another course of injections next week.
“He has started to do a bit more work but is still weeks away from a return.”
Elsewhere, Saints’ U20s begin their IRN-BRU Cup campaign, previously known as the Challenge Cup, with a home game against Highland League side Turriff United on Tuesday evening.
The first round match kicks-off at 7.45pm and season tickets will be valid. Prices are: Adults – £8, concessions – £5, children under 12 accompanied by an adult – free.