Steve Lomas believes star striker Fran Sandaza could win a move to the English Premier League if he stays with St Johnstone until the end of the season.
The Perth boss, who had a blast at Sandaza’s agent for being interviewed on television and quoted in the press without speaking to him first, hasn’t changed his opinion that the summer is the time for the Spaniard to think about a transfer, not this month.
Rangers, English Championship sides and clubs from his homeland and the US are understood to be weighing up offers, but Lomas feels Sandaza could do better if he bides his time.
He pointed out: ”I have told Fran that if he scores 25 goals this season then they will be worth their weight in gold come the summer, especially being out of contract.
”There is no doubt Fran could play in the Championship, no two ways about that. But if he gets more goals for us this season then I wouldn’t be surprised if Premier League teams come looking at him.
”I would say to him, if you want to take the gamble by not signing for us then go and score 25 to 30 goals and then a Premier League club will come for you.
”The big thing is that he doesn’t let everything that’s going on affect him and he keeps his focus. If he does that and maintains his form then as a free transfer in the summer he will be able to take his pick.”
Lomas is refusing to let the agent’s actions affect his preparations for Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie against Brechin, and stressed Sandaza is not now out of favour.
”He will be in our squad for Saturday. We want to win the cup so will be putting our best team out. What’s going on with Fran is nothing unusual there are loads of players coming out of contract in the summer.
”As long as he keeps his focus and keeps his form up then he can go in the summer with my blessing. I would like to think that after St Johnstone gave Fran a platform when he didn’t have a club and don’t get me wrong, he’s repaid it that there will be some loyalty there.
”In the summer Fran didn’t have a contract and he came to this club late in the day. I have a good relationship with him but nobody will pull the wool over my eyes. I don’t think he will try that anyway.”
Lomas added: ”There are no offers in, and from what I understand Rangers don’t have any money anyway. I know Ally McCoist and I know anything that does happen will be done properly.”
Sandaza’s agent has said that his client is likely to head off for ”bigger and better things”, most likely in the summer. His comments haven’t pleased Lomas, who said: ”I thought it was a real lack of courtesy to read in the newspapers comments from Fran’s agent when he hasn’t even spoken to me.
”He didn’t have the courtesy to phone me, I think that’s poor. Where I come from you speak to people about these things.
”I think it’s an agent looking for a bit of press time for himself. He is the kind of agent who gives agents a bad name. I know a few good agents who conduct themselves properly but unfortunately it didn’t happen in this case.
”But I don’t have a problem with Fran. He is within his rights to see his contract out and we are within our rights to ask for a fee if anyone comes in. But nobody has been in contact about him.
”It’s not a big deal and I’m sure he will stay focused for as long as he’s here.”
Callum Davidson could be fit to face Brechin, while Frazer Wright may be in contention for a comeback next week. Chris Millar is definitely out.
Lomas said: ”I watched Brechin last week against Forfar. They are a decent side and will be looking to cause an upset.
”They will raise their game and if we are not fully focused we could get caught out, it’s as simple as that. We will have to fight Brechin because they will be pumped up for it.
”I have been there myself as a player, if you start a cup tie against a team from a lower league and you have a few players not at it then you are in trouble.
”It’s my job to make sure that they are 100% focused for it. But knowing the boys here they will be.”
Photo by Mark Runnacles/PA Wire