Young midfielder Scott Brown has been the “stand-out” player for St Johnstone in pre-season, according to assistant boss Callum Davidson.
The 19-year-old made a first-team impact at the end of last season when he started and scored against Celtic.
The former Bradford City youngster has picked up where he left off, and was impressive against East Fife in Saints’ first match since the short summer break.
Another good showing against Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park this afternoon could secure a place in the side for the Europa League clash with FC Luzern next week.
Davidson said: “Scott was excellent against East Fife and for me he has been the stand out in pre-season. He has come back fitter than ever. We told him he had to work on a few things, including his fitness, and he has done just that.
“Because of the work he has put in, Scott is now saying ‘put me in the team.’ He is putting pressure on the manager to select him for Europe.
“Scott has been chasing Steven Anderson and Chris Millar all pre-season and they are up at the top in the general fitness stakes.
“He put down a marker last season in the win against Celtic when he scored a goal and went up against the other Scott Brown.
“We knew he could do it, but he just had to enhance his fitness levels.
“He is fantastic on the ball and he is physically strong. He can be a real engine in the middle of the park for us and given the way we play that is important.”
Davidson added: “With Paddy Cregg going and Murray Davidson and Gary McDonald injured, there is a real incentive for him to bag that midfield spot.
“We let Paddy go so Scott could push through, but he has to step up to the plate now. He has done that and he is ready to go in against Luzern.”
McDonald, Anderson and Dave Mackay are injury doubts today.
Raith Rovers are in discussions to include former Rangers defender Ross Perry against Saints.
Manager Grant Murray is contemplating a deal for the 24-year-old who had his contract with the Ibrox side cancelled last month.
New boys Kevin Cuthbert and Martin Scott, who missed out in midweek, could feature against the Perth side, with striker Archie Campbell likely to be involved as a trialist for a second time.
Murray is not overly concerned about their midweek draw with Lowland League side Edinburgh City.
He said: “Results are not that important at this stage. I am more interested in ensuring that we have the right mentality of not losing goals and creating chances.
“St Johnstone were very strong against East Fife in midweek, so this will be a really tough workout.
“Training has been going really well and now it is all about bringing that on to the pitch.”