McDiarmid Park has become renowned as a club that brings the best out of experienced players looking to get their career back on track.
And now they are developing a reputation for bringing on their own talent as well, according to one of their first team squad who has progressed through the youth ranks at St Johnstone.
Chris Kane scored Saints’ second goal against Ross County at the weekend but he isn’t the only youngster making a name for himself in the early weeks of the season.
“We have young lads coming through from the under-20s like Liam Gordon and Aaron Comrie,” Kane, one of the older ones at 22, said. “We have a few players out on loan as well.
“There are a lot of young home-grown players coming through the ranks and there are more to come.
“We have seen other teams bringing through young players and the more we develop the better.”
Saturday’s was Kane’s first league goal of the season and a reward for performances that had pleased his manager.
“The manager had been saying for a few weeks I was due a goal and thankfully I got it against County,” he said.
“I have had chances and come close a few times in games so obviously it’s a big boost to my confidence.
“I was delighted the manager showed faith in me because we have options all over the park. We have a really good squad here and the likes of Graham Cummins and Joe Gormley are also pushing for starts.
“Now I just want to kick on. It’s just unfortunate the international break has come at the wrong time for me. But hopefully I can get a few more goals when we come back.”
Kane added: “I thought I did well against some big strong defenders.
“I’ve bulked up quite a bit but I’m gaining more first team experience as well and that is helping me no end.
“I was being chucked about far too easily when I was younger. But you learn when to go into challenges and when to roll off defenders.
“Steven MacLean has been a massive influence on me. He is just so experienced. Stevie May learned so much from him before he went to England and I’m doing the same.
“Macca talks me through games and I listen. It’s great playing up front with a player of his quality.
“I am taking in everything he says and does. It can only help me improve as a player.”
Another man who is making Kane’s life easier on the pitch is playmaker Danny Swanson, who set up his goal in Dingwall.
“Danny is some player,” he said. “He has been outstanding for us. He has scored eight goals already. Danny has been crucial in our start to the season.
“I remember being in a training box drill with him on his first day here and was amazed at his touch on the ball.
“He has started the season on fire. So opposition teams worry about him. He is attracting two or three players because he is such a threat and that gives other players space.
“Look at the way he set up my goal against County. He skipped away from a player and threaded the ball into my path. It was perfect for me to take first time.
“We have got off to a great start this season. And we have had a lot of hard games, against the likes of Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts.
“We have been scoring goals and not conceded too many either. So it’s been a really good start for the boys.”
