By Graeme Dey

ST JOHNSTONE manager Derek McInnes yesterday called on his charges to come blasting out of the blocks in their pursuit of first division title glory.

Saints will be without Steven Anderson, Steven Milne, Jody Morris, Kevin Moon and Alan Main for tomorrow’s opener at home to Livingston.

However, Kevin James and Collin Samuel have trained this week and will be available. And McInnes won’t accept absenteeism as an excuse for failing to get off to a flier.

“Between having a few boys missing and not being able to sign a left-back, we don’t have our problems to seek,” he said.

“But I believe we still have a squad that can cope with what’s in front of us, which is why I haven’t gone down the road of bringing in trialists.

“It’s been a long summer and we are ready to go.

“I firmly believe we have a lot of talent here but I also want to see us playing with passion and determination this season.

“We have the firepower to get goals. The key for us will be keeping clean sheets.

“That’s something we haven’t done so far in the lead-up to the start of the league and it was disappointing to go out of the Challenge Cup last weekend.

“But if losing that tie works as a wake-up call, then I’ll live with that. We must, though, get off to a good start now.”

With Main still making his way back from shoulder surgery, Saints have tied up goalkeeper Greg Kelly on a month’s contract to provide cover for Euan McLean. But they’ve agreed to release him should he secure the chance of a permanent deal elsewhere.

“We fully understand Greg’s situation and won’t stand in his way if he can get fixed up,” said McInnes.

Kelly—a free agent after being released by Aberdeen— has been with the club over the course of pre-season on a non-contract basis

Meanwhile, Saints’ efforts to land a left-back have stalled.

“We have identified a target but are no further forward at the minute,” confirmed the manager.