St Johnstone boss has high hopes for under-20s striker

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright is confident that young striker Kyle Lander “has a future”.

The 19-year-old was snapped up from Livingston just under a year ago after making several substitue appearances with the Championship club.

He didn’t make an instant impact in Saints’ under-20s but he is now starting to show the goal-scoring form that won him his move to Perth.

Wright said: “We signed him from Livingston last year and he has taken time to settle.

“He has chipped in with goals recently for the under-20s, including two against Hibs.

“There are aspects of his game that he has to work at and we are bringing him along. But he has a future.

“He probably thought he would have been around the first team when he arrived from Livingston last summer but maybe he hasn’t had as good as season as we’d have liked.

“But he is a young player and sometimes it can take time to find your feet and find your true form.

“Kyle is a good finisher and someone we still have high hopes for.”