St Johnstone manager Craig Levein wants three January signings.
And no final decision will be made on which players will be moving on to free up the money for his recruitment drive until after the final two fixtures before the mid-season break.
“I’d like to add a couple of bodies,” said Levein. “Three maybe if we can and I’m working on that at the moment.
“There are areas I think we need to add some extra strength in depth or maybe even some starting players.
“These guys are capable of starting for St Johnstone and I’m working on that with Gus (MacPherson) and when there’s any news I’ll pass it on.
“We will have to reduce our squad by two or three to allow two or three to come in.
“But I don’t know who I’m going to need between now and the end of the Dundee match so everyone is in contention.”
No more slow starts
Saints face a trip to Livingston on Wednesday night, with improving upon their disappointing start in their previous fixture at Kilmarnock the immediate aim.
“I can’t be too critical of the players since Andy (Kirk) and I came in as their effort and work-rate has been exceptional,” said Levein.
“So it was a bit of a surprise to see the start to the match.
“All credit to Kilmarnock, who started really well but we were slow to get going and that got us behind.
“That’s down to good play by Kilmarnock and inept play by us. We gave ourselves a very difficult task by going two behind.
“After that I felt we were the better team and maybe should’ve been back on level pegging.
“It’s a lesson to us that we can’t start matches in that manner.”
Big incentive
Saints will move 10 points clear of their opponents if they beat them.
“The league table only really matters at the end of the season,” said Levein.
“Where we are just know, I don’t know if it’s helpful looking at that.
“I think the important thing for us is to keep doing the things we’ve been doing well.
“This will be a tough match.
“By no means have we escaped from the bottom end of the table.
“We’ve got a lot of fighting still to do to get out of this.
“I know how tough playing against David Martindale teams can be.
“We’re going to have to be really good to get anything out of this match.
“There have been some good signs and some good moments from us and hopefully having Nicky (Clark) back will add to our potency in front of goal.
“Things are creeping forward and we want to continue that by getting a win at Livingston.”
Back from injury and back in the goals 🎯#SJFC | pic.twitter.com/qe72QZz5xs
— St. Johnstone FC (@StJohnstone) December 24, 2023
Clark could start following his impressive half-hour appearance off the bench on Saturday but DJ Jaiyesimi misses out through suspension.
“I’ve been careful with Nicky,” said Levein. “Calf injuries are notoriously difficult.
“They can reoccur very easily. We will see how he is after training.
“We’ll wrap him in cotton wool to protect him between matches.
“He’s a robust character but you’re only as strong as your weakest point and Nicky’s had one or two problems with his calves.
“That might dictate some of his training load.
“I’ll do everything I can to help him be fit and available as often as possible.”
Conversation