Tommy Wright's international adventure can be a diamond deal for St Johnstone
St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas believes there can be a spin-off for the club from assistant manager Tommy Wright's international involvement.
- By Ian Roache
- Published in the Courier : 10.02.12
- Published online : 10.02.12 @ 02.06pm
Wright has been added to the Northern Ireland backroom team as goalkeeping coach, joining up with Michael O'Neill and his new number two Billy McKinlay.
Wright and O'Neill have worked together before, with the former hired by the then Shamrock Rovers gaffer to look after the keepers at the Republic of Ireland club.
The Northern Irish role will be part-time but he will still travel Europe with his country's side and it is the prospect of seeing some of the continent's up-and-coming talent that could benefit Saints.
Lomas said: ''It is good for the club and for Tommy as long as it doesn't disrupt things here. If it were to do that we would pull it.
''But I am sure it will be good experience for Tommy and he will have a chance to watch players from other countries in action. There are still little diamonds to be found out there.
''Who knows, if Tommy spots a player on international duty it could benefit St Johnstone. We have to try something different to compete given our finances.
''With me doing the occasional Sky Sports stint that also gives me a chance to see someone different. I saw Montenegro against Northern Ireland and they were impressive. Two of their lads have gone on to play in the Premier League in England.''
Lomas was not surprised that O'Neill approached Saints chairman Steve Brown for permission to secure former keeper Wright, whose 31-cap total would have been greater but for injury.
''Tommy and Michael go back 20-odd years and Tommy is well respected in Northern Ireland,'' added Lomas.
Wright, whose two-year term starts on Monday, said: ''Having represented my country as a player I am immensely proud to become the goalkeeping coach of the Northern Ireland senior squad.
''Everyone knows that I am very passionate about my country and I'm thrilled to be working alongside Michael O'Neill again. He is a fantastic young manager and I am sure he can inspire the players ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in September.
''I must thank our chairman Steve Brown and manager for giving me this fantastic opportunity.''
Saints face a tough-looking home SPL match against Dundee United on Saturday, with the Tangerines still on a high from their win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup last Sunday.
Midfielder Murray Davidson, who limped out of the cup draw with Hearts with a recurrence of an ankle injury, is the big concern.
''Murray has to be rated doubtful at the moment but knowing the lad I wouldn't be surprised if he told me he was ready to play,'' said Lomas.
''We have a tough week coming up with United, Hearts in the cup and then Aberdeen away so the full squad will come into play.
''United had a great result against Rangers and played very well, as they did when I saw them at Ibrox earlier in the season.''
Lomas could be tempted to start scorer Cillian Sheridan alongside top striker Fran Sandaza against the Tannadice men.
''Cillian made a huge impact when he came on as a sub and he has had a game and a half now since coming back from the hamstring injury,'' added Lomas.
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