St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes is confident he’ll be unveiling new signings for next season before this one is finished.
The Perth boss has made it clear it will be a busy summer of comings and goings at McDiarmid Park, and he’s happy with the progress being made towards attracting new talent.
McInnes said, “There could be signings before the end of the season.
“We’re working towards that. There’s nothing imminent but our efforts have increased over the last couple of weeks. I think there will be signings before we finish up in a few weeks.”
There will be several Saints players moving on at the manager’s choosing. Scotland under-21 midfielder Murray Davidson isn’t one of them, but McInnes realises clubs from England may look to prise his star man away over the next couple of months.
He said, “I would expect interest in him, without question.
“Murray’s played at a very consistent level this season. Although he got a lot of headlines last season, from a football point of view there’s been a real development in his game this season. He’s been far better.”
He added, “There will be more than one club interested in him. We want to keep him and he’s under contract so it will take a big bid to take him way.”Positivity neededMeanwhile, McInnes has told his players there is no room for self-pity in their last few fixtures.
He felt there was a resignation of defeat in the latter stages against Inverness Caley Thistle on Monday, and he doesn’t want a repeat at Easter Road on Saturday.
He said, “We got frustrated when opportunities came and went. Psychologically for the players it was a case of ‘here we go again.’
“But it was actually a decent performance up until the second goal went in. I was disappointed with the reaction after we went 2-0 down. I’ve told the players there’s no point feeling sorry for ourselves.”
He added, “The effort and application was there up until then but it looked as if some of them thought ‘this isn’t going to be our day again.’ It’s easy to feel like that, but for me that can’t be the case.
“There’s got to be an appetite for the game and a willingness to be positive.”Moon wants to shineSaints will be without Steven Anderson and Michael Duberry, who will complete their two-game bans, while Jody Morris is likely to be rested again. Peter Enckelman should be available after shaking off a virus.
Youngster Liam Caddis could be out for the season after straining a medial knee ligament.
Others may see it differently, but for Kevin Moon the season will be coming to an end too soon.
The midfielder has only just returned from long-term injury and has a new contract to play for.
He said, “My season only just started a few weeks ago. It’s strange. There are four games left and I feel as if I’m just getting going.
“You can see some of the lads have had a long hard season but I feel fresh. I know that I’ll have to keep working hard in the off season.
“I’m trying to put the contract situation to the back of my mind. Obviously it’s important but I’m trying to concentrate on these last few matches. That’s the priority.”