St Johnstone might not have found a way to replace Stevie May’s goals this season.
But they’ve still found a way to prosper in the Premiership without him.
And that’s all that matters, according to frontman Steven MacLean.
The experienced striker doesn’t have a goal-scoring record this season he’d shout about from the rooftops. And neither does the team as a whole.
He’s not found the net since he returned from injury, and Saints have only managed 25 strikes all season.
MacLean would naturally like to see both improve but he’d happily take another low-scoring win against Partick Thistle this afternoon.
“We know that we’ve not scored as many goals we would have liked,” he pointed out.
“That’s down to us as individuals but it’s probably a collective thing as well.
“We’ve not been as expansive this season. There have been more clean-sheets, but not as many goals.
“It’s swings and roundabouts.
“If we were to open up a bit more we might score a few more but we might concede a few more as well.
“We want to get goals from all over the team, not just the strikers.
“We had Stevie May scoring for us last season but we knew we wouldn’t replace them with one man.
“We’ve found a way of winning without him.
“We finished sixth with Stevie’s goals, but we’ve got the chance to finish even higher this season.
“As a team we’re just happy when we’re winning games. Whether that means scoring more goals or keeping clean-sheets and winning 1-0.”
Certainly, nobody was complaining about their last 1-0 a shock defeat of league leaders Celtic.
“It was a great result against Celtic,” MacLean said. “When you get a win like that you need to back it up or it means nothing.
“Now we have to take three points from Partick.
“All the teams towards the bottom have picked up and it has maybe sucked them back in.
“They have been inconsistent but they’ve had some great results.
“It’s a bit different than against Celtic. We’ll hopefully have more of the ball and won’t be defending for long spells.
“Hopefully we can score some goals.
“We’ve got a good run of games coming up, but they’re only good if we win.”
MacLean may be goal-less since his comeback from knee surgery, but his contribution to the team has been telling nonetheless, be it as a lone striker or in a partnership with young Chris Kane.
“Physically I’ve felt a lot better in the last few weeks,” he explained. “Hopefully now I can get on the scoresheet.
“Sometimes in games though it’s about holding it up, bringing others in and creating chances. I’m happy to do the unselfish stuff, especially if we’re playing one up front.
“A couple of goals at some point soon would be nice though.”
Kane is yet to score for Saints. That isn’t causing MacLean concern, and nor should it for the man himself.
“I’ve just told him to relax,” he observed. “He’s done well when he’s come into the team and he’s proved he can do it at this level.
“If he keeps doing what he’s doing, I’m sure it will come.
“He’s shown in training that he’s a good finisher. He sniffs out chances. All the other stuff he’s been doing well.
“Hopefully we can start building a partnership. We’ve linked up well so far when we’ve played together.
“He’s his own player but he’s a bit like Stevie in that he looks to stretch the play.”
MacLean mentored May before he left for Sheffield Wednesday, and he’s happy to do the same with Kane.
He revealed: “When I was at Rangers there were a few seniors pros who helped me out.
“Michael Mols was one of them. Billy Dodds was always speaking. Shota Arveladze and Gordon Durie were great as well.
“I can remember Ronald de Boer taking me under his wing.
“They helped me with my movement, how to find pockets of space and when to play up against defenders.
“Hopefully I can pass some advice down now.
“Chris is his own man, but if you get the chance to help the younger boys along you’re happy to do it.”
Meanwhile, MacLean has backed May to prove his worth in the English Championship.
He said: “People will look at it from afar and say ‘he’s not playing’ or ‘he’s not scoring’.
“I’ve spoken to a couple of people at Sheffield Wednesday and they’re not scoring goals as a team.
“It’s a bit similar to us. They’ve kept 16 clean-sheets I think.
“It’s one goal here and there. Their style maybe isn’t suiting Stevie just now and he’s maybe taken time to adjust.
“A coach down there has told me he’s working hard and he’s doing alright. His time will come and he’ll get goals.”