St Johnstone fans can expect Steven MacLean to be a busy man in the transfer market this summer.
A goalkeeper to compete with Ross Sinclair, a centre-back, a striker and a wide forward are all likely areas in need of the Saints manager’s attention.
Full-back and central midfield may well also be added to the list depending how contract negotiations progress with Melker Hallberg and James Brown and if the new Celtic manager doesn’t allow Adam Montgomery to return to Perth.
Courier Sport examines the winger position and a few potential options for that slot.
Matty Kennedy
This one would make sense for plenty of reasons.
St Johnstone do like to bring back a former player (and Callum Davidson was linked with a move for Kennedy when he was in charge).
Sentimental attraction aside, football-wise the return to McDiarmid of the man they sold to Aberdeen also stacks up in a way somebody like Gary Mackay-Steven, another free agent, does not.
You could see Kennedy thriving in a MacLean forward line.
WATCH: 'Nice finish'
A Premiership cracker from St Johnstone's Matty Kennedy against Aberdeen
Follow the Boxing Day Scottish football action on BBC Radio Scotland & the BBC Sport Scotland website 📻💻📱 pic.twitter.com/IOSXAQHNOp
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) December 25, 2019
He can play all three positions (as well as deeper) and still has the energy for the full throttle style of football the new Saints boss wants to see.
At 28, he should be coming into his peak career years.
If Saints have the finances to make this deal happen, it would arguably be the nearest thing to a risk-free option out there.
Scott Tiffoney
The former Livingston man has been one of the stars of Partick Thistle’s promotion push.
He’s scored 12 goals, three of those in the play-offs, and has the ability to make a defender look foolish in a one v one battle.
The 23-year-old has been no one-season wonder.
He was nominated for Championship player of the year in 2022.
This time last year, Ian McCall described Tiffoney as “absolutely dynamite” and put a £200,000 price tag on his head.
There's no catching Scott Tiffoney when he shifts into top gear ⚡️#cinchChamp | @PartickThistle pic.twitter.com/NF1sYopSBY
— SPFL (@spfl) April 4, 2023
There’s no price tag now though, with Thistle vulnerable to top flight clubs taking advantage of his free agent status.
It feels as if Tiffoney, who, like Kennedy, can play off both wings, is Premiership-ready.
Will Saints be the club to put that theory to the test?
Jay Henderson
Like Tiffoney, Henderson has been a star-turn in the Championship, albeit for a shorter time.
The 21-year-old’s six-month loan from St Mirren has been a resounding success.
🙌 Nathan Shaw's goal from last night's 1-0 win against Partick Thistle
🎯 Brilliant play by Jay Henderson for the assist! pic.twitter.com/s6bawXOAd2
— Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (@ICTFC) March 25, 2023
In a wide right role, he has been one of Inverness Caley Thistle’s best players and showcased his crossing ability with a superb assist for Billy McKay in the Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Falkirk.
Henderson is out of contract in Paisley.
He’s been made an offer of fresh terms by Stephen Robinson but it’s by no means guaranteed that will be taken up.
The Perth Saints would need to pay a development fee if they decide to pursue Henderson, who has been with St Mirren since the age of nine.
Callumn Morrison
If Saints are willing to splash out on a development payment, what about stretching to a small transfer fee for Falkirk?
Morrison ticks a lot of boxes.
He has a big club pedigree (Hearts), has played for his country at youth level and is building up his game-time in the lower leagues.
✅ First goal for the club
✅ Move to first-team dressing room
✅ Baby Morrison on the wayIt was some weekend for Callumn Morrison!
👉 https://t.co/Ch10gnJZsg pic.twitter.com/B0W9YRqtT0
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) January 28, 2019
Lightning quick, with a goal record at Falkirk of nearly one every two games, Morrison is frankly too good to be spending another season in League One.
Wide right is probably his best position but he can play through the middle as well and MacLean will know all about the 23-year-old from their time together at Tynecastle.
Gwion Edwards
Another St Johnstone old boy, Edwards got his career going at McDiarmid Park on loan from Swansea City a full decade ago.
He went on to establish himself as a consistent EFL Championship and League One performer.
What Gwion Edwards will always be remembered for #wafc #itfc pic.twitter.com/9sD3HQT3QI
— Jacknorsss (@JAH_3020) June 10, 2021
Injury prevented Edwards, just turned 30, from making an impact on a recent loan with Ross County but several clubs down south have been linked with him in recent days following his Wigan Athletic release.
For Saints fans too young to remember the Welshman, he’s quick, direct and two-footed.
Patience is a virtue
Biding his time may well be the sensible option for MacLean.
Given the fact Drey Wright was last season’s player of the year, Graham Carey can play off both flanks and Max Kucheriavyi will also be a wide forward contender in a three, you could make a strong case that other positions are more of a priority than this one.
There will certainly be potential short-term recruits who become available at Championship clubs in England and, if Hearts start stacking up players, somebody like Alan Forrest may even be further away from a starting role than he is just now and be a possible loan.
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