Transfer window shuts with St Johnstone's star men still in place
St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas' wishes were granted as the deadline transfer window closed with Fran Sandaza and Jody Morris still McDiarmid Park men.
- By Eric Nicolson
- Published in the Courier : 01.02.12
- Published online : 01.02.12 @ 09.37am
Although both men were the subject of speculation right up until the 11pm deadline, Lomas can now continue to plan his team around his captain and star striker.
Also staying on is defender Steven Anderson, who signed a new contract which will keep him at McDiarmid Park until 2014.
The 26-year-old, who is the longest-serving player at Perth, was a bit part player in his first few seasons but has become a first-team regular under the new boss.
Anderson's deal was set to expire in the summer but Lomas made getting him tied up one of his first priorities.
And the former Dundee United centre-back is determined to show his manager he's made the right decision.
He said: ''It's a great boost to get my future sorted because my contract was up in the summer and things were uncertain. When a new manager comes in there is always a worry that he won't fancy you but thankfully the gaffer has been playing me.
''It means a lot that he's offered me a new contract so soon and I want to repay him for that on the park. I have been happy with the way things have gone this season but I know I've got to work hard to stay in the side.
''It's a good time to be at St Johnstone. We are doing well just now but we know that we've achieved nothing yet and there's loads of hard work to come.''
Anderson's first priority is celebrating his new deal by sending Hearts out of the Scottish Cup on Sunday.
He added: ''The cup game this weekend is huge because we are desperate to go on a run. Going to Tynecastle is never easy but we have a decent record there and will go into it with confidence.''
Lomas said: ''Ando was one of three or four players we wanted to get tied up. He's done really well for us and I'm delighted he's signed this new deal.''
Striker Sean Higgins completed the paperwork on a loan deal to Ayr United for the remainder of the season.
The 27-year-old joined Saints in a two-year-deal last summer but has barely kicked a ball for either Derek McInnes or Lomas.
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