St Johnstone have opened contract talks with Stevie May, Callum Davidson has revealed.
This is the former Scotland striker’s fourth season of his second spell at McDiarmid Park.
He has hit top form in recent weeks, with a deflected shot in the opening minutes of Saturday’s Premiership match against Kilmarnock the latest points-winning contribution.
May’s contract runs out in the summer and the Perth club are keen to tie him down on an extension.
“We’ve already started a conversation with some of the ones with a year left,” said Davidson. “Stevie is one of them.
“That will be ongoing.
“He’s been great for us and we’ve been great for him.”
Ever dependable
May’s goals and assists have caught the attention of the Scottish football public in the biggest way since his top-flight breakthrough season in 2013/14.
But Davidson didn’t need to be persuaded about his worth to the Saints squad.
“I’ve said it so many times – I always know what I’m going to get from Stevie,” he pointed out.
“People might not have talked about it as much but the runs he was making to help out in defence late on against Kilmarnock were runs he was making last season as well.
“I can remember him making a tackle on the byeline against Livingston.
“He’s so hard working and he’s a very good footballer. When he adds goals to his game, as he’s doing just now, he becomes a very, very good striker.
“If he carries on like this he’ll be a massive asset.
“He deserves the plaudits that are coming his way just now.
Stevie May take a bow! 👏 pic.twitter.com/qZBnqIRMJz
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 23, 2022
“Stevie scored one of the most important goals in St Johnstone’s history against Inverness.
“That night he came off the bench with such a great attitude after being disappointed that he wasn’t starting.
“That probably sums him up.
“We want that hunger he’s got just now to stay with him.
“We’ll be very fortunate to have him if he does.”
⚽️ #TOTW ST
👤 Guy Melamed🗣️ "Two goals, including one from the penalty spot, and excellent link-up play with strike partner Chris Kane, enabled the Israeli striker to be the star man as Saints defeated Motherwell 3-0"
Read it 👉 https://t.co/2kdwNdiTri#SPFL | @StJohnstone pic.twitter.com/jgn22eoGZh
— SPFL (@spfl) February 23, 2021
Saints started the season with one striker but the growing chemistry between May and new recruit, Nicky Clark, has prompted a change in set-up.
“We’ve had to tweak the formation a wee bit as a result of how well Stevie and Nicky are working together,” said Davidson.
“I had to adapt.
“Playing with one striker isn’t an option just now because of the form they’re in.
“It was similar when Guy (Melamed) and Chris (Kane) hit that purple patch in a two.
“That was a really good partnership and we can see similarities with Stevie and Nicky.”
Quiet January
There are still three games to be played before the World Cup break and another three before the January transfer window opens.
But it’s already shaping up to be a month of minor alterations at McDiarmid.
“A quiet January would be nice after the last couple of windows,” said Davidson.
“We’ve got a slightly bigger squad this season because of the long-term injuries we had.
“They’re all on their way back.
“I’m happy the way the squad is looking. We’ll only add if we need to.”
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