Michael O’Halloran was limited to a cameo role against Luzern as manager Tommy Wright adopted a guarded approach in Switzerland.
The former Bolton attacker is, however, hoping his offensive talents will come into play as St Johnstone seek to kill off the Swiss side after a 1-1 Europa League qualifier first leg.
McDiarmid Park attracted crowds around the 8,000-mark last summer for Euro clashes with Rosenborg and Minsk and it should be packed again for Thursday’s return leg as Perth fans still lapping up the Scottish Cup success hope to set-up a trip to Georgia or Slovakia.
While testimonial man Steven Anderson will miss out with a hamstring strain, Wright delivered a huge boost to Perth fans after a weekend 0-0 draw with York City by revealing top scorer Stevie May is a definite starter alongside midweek goal hero Steven MacLean.
O’Halloran hopes for a call-up from the bench if Wright’s tweaks his tactical approach on the home front.
The former Scotland U21 player was one of just two first-team regulars, along with Tam Scobbie, to feature against the English League Two side as Wright kept his powder dry.
Former Dundee United midfielder Marc Millar and ex-Hibs player Danny Galbraith padded out the team as trialists.
O’Halloran, who made a late appearance as a fresh pair of legs against the Swiss, said: “It was good to get another run out to get my fitness up to scratch and hopefully I can play a part against Luzern.
“We set up defensively in Lucerne and the boys were terrific to go there and score. It’s in our hands if we don’t concede and we are through to the next round. That would be brilliant.”
He might have been impressed by Luzern but he believes Saints can eclipse last year’s Euro campaign, which ended abruptly in a penalty shoot-out against Belarus side Minsk.
“Luzern are very good technically with a few good attacking players who can cause a threat but the boys handled them well and we also had a few chances to score.
“If we can get in a big crowd the home support can spur us on and be a 12th man.
“They came out for the cup final and it would be great to have them here on Thursday. It would be brilliant to put them under a bit of pressure with our fans behind us.
“Luzern came fourth in the Swiss league and there are some really good teams in there.
“I think they beat Basel 3-0 away so they are good away from home and we will be wary of them but, if we play our game, we can cause them problems and hopefully score a few goals.
“We don’t need to come out. They are the team that has to score. We will be cautious but we won’t be nervous.
“In the Scottish Cup final against Dundee United, we didn’t let the atmosphere affect us and I’m sure we will be fine.”
O’Halloran was an old head in a youthful Perth team, which was bolstered by the presence of Millar and Galbraith.
Veteran keeper Stevie Banks ensured the English visitors were denied a repeat of the 4-0 scoreline against Raith Rovers days earlier.
“I am always looking to please the manager and get in his thoughts. Hopefully I have put down a wee marker and I can play a part on Thursday,” said O’Halloran.
“Rosenborg were first last season and the lads did terrific to get through against the Norwegians. Then it was Minsk and while Saints won over there they went out here on penalties.
“It was disappointing but if we can get through this one, we can go one better than last year. We want to stay in this competition.”