Tommy Wrighti s convinced goalkeeper Zander Clark has a big future ahead of him and that will be helped by facing the likes of Rangers, Hearts and Hibs this season.
The St Johnstone boss will send Clark back to Queen of the South on loan after giving him a new two-year contract in the summer.
The youngster impressed at Palmerston last season and Wright believes the profile of this term’s Championship, when he’ll be trying to keep out the likes of Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller, will bring him on even more.
Wright, a former keeper himself, said: “Zander is going back to Queen of the South for next season.
“We’ll keep him for Europe and it’s subject to everyone being fit, but it’s something we want to do.
“Last season it really helped his development. When he went there at first he wasn’t having a good time here but it came along at the right moment for him.
“He went to Queen of the South and grasped the opportunity so well we gave him a two-year deal when he came back. Playing first-team football helped him because last year he didn’t react the right way to Stevie Banks coming in.
“Zander lost his way a bit but knuckled down and got back on track. We’ve been really impressed by him, I rate him very highly and he’s now got to maintain the standards he set himself.
“He’ll have some massive games to look forward to in the Championship next season so it will be great for his development.”