St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright couldn’t be happier with the form of two of his key men, Steven Maclean and David Wotherspoon.
But he’s surprised that the duo, and others in the Perth squad, haven’t been targeted by rival clubs.
“We try to tie players up when their contracts are running down for fear of other clubs trying to take them,” Wright said.
“Other than Stevie May and Michael O’Halloran no-one’s come knocking the door down for them.
“When you look at what they’ve achieved, that’s surprising.”
Top scorer MacLean has found the net in both Saints’ post-split fixtures so far and Wright pointed out: “It’s been a brilliant season.”
He added: “That’s 13 goals, which is the highest he’s got.
“When the pitches were a bit heavier that didn’t suit him but now he’s fresh and linking play up well. It’s not just the number of goals he’s scored.
“It was surprising he wasn’t in with a sniff of the PFA team of the year.
“I don’t see any reason why he can’t continue like this next season. He works hard, keeps himself fit and looks after his body.
“Without a shadow of a doubt he’ll be just as important next season as he’s been this season.”
Wotherspoon hasn’t always been a fans’ favourite at McDiarmid Park but his worth to Wright is undeniable. And it’s shown by bare statistics.
“He’s got nine goals and is well into double figures for assists,” the Northern Irishman said.
“Since he signed David has played consistently well for us.
“He gets a bit of stick at times, even from our own fans. Players and managers expect criticism but I don’t think the criticism of David is fair.
“Look at what he does. He scores important goals and has provided the most assists for the last three seasons.
“Hopefully he can get into double figures.
“I think, without a doubt, that he’s vastly under-rated.
“There are a few players in our team you could say that about.”
