St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson believes there has been a “massive improvement” in Theo Bair over recent weeks.
And the Perth boss expects to see that form graph move even sharper upwards after the Canadian international scores his first goal.
Bair has gone from rarely used substitute in the second half of last season to first choice number nine at the beginning of this one.
After a quiet opening day performance against Hibs, the former Vancouver Whitecaps man led the line much more effectively at Fir Park, setting up Jamie Murphy for the opening goal of Saints’ 2-1 victory.
Bair is getting a better grip of the fundamentals of lone striker play, according to Davidson, and he nearly got his reward after challenging for a cross at Ibrox and then dragging the loose ball past the post while he was on the ground.
“I have seen a massive improvement in Theo since he came back this season,” said Davidson.
“He caused problems against Motherwell and I would have loved him to get a goal against Rangers.
“He’s using his body far better than he was when he first joined us and is getting to know what the Scottish game is all about.
“He now knows what he has to do to be a nuisance up front. He’s strong and can run in behind.
“So it has been about getting him to realise the attributes he has and how to use them to best effect.
“Like all strikers, it’s about getting that goal and once he gets one he’ll kick on from it.
“We want him in the box, getting on the end of things and causing problems for defenders.”
Most of Bair’s significant Opta numbers are heading in the right direction, with the jump from 50% passing accuracy in his first two games to 65% in the most recent one highlighting the uplift in bringing team-mates into the game.
But when it comes to scoring goals, Davidson doesn’t want the spotlight shining solely on his current starting centre-forward.
He added: “It’s not just all about Theo. We need to be chipping in with goals from across the team.
“You need your midfielders, your centre-halves and your wing-backs also sharing the burden.
“But Theo is someone we believe will score goals for us in this team and once he gets one you’ll see the impact it has on him.”
Dons next
Saints’ weekend clash with Aberdeen is the middle one of three against ‘big city’ clubs.
“Aberdeen are a good side, they have invested a lot of money in their team and have completely changed it from last season,” said Davidson.
“So we’re expecting nothing other than a hard game this Saturday.
“It has been a tough opening few fixtures but I think you can see how things are coming together for us.
“We are at home this weekend so we’ll be having a go trying to win the game.”
St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson fears thigh tear and weeks out for Cammy MacPherson
Conversation