Tommy Wright rates him as a future Scotland international.
And St Johnstone defender Jason Kerr underlined his credentials with a string of impressive performances in the Toulon Tournament.
Scott Gemmill’s young Scots took the scalp of star-studded France before losing out to old rivals and three times winners England.
Kerr made the breakthrough into the Perth line-up after a successful loan spell with Queen of the South last year.
And he believes the Toulon experience was the perfect preparation for building on his breakthrough season.
“It was hard going but a great experience for me,” he said. “It was really hot in Toulon and tough playing in that sort of heat.
“We played tough teams, especially France and England.
“Beating the French was a big achievement for us, especially when you see their full international team winning the World Cup. We ended up topping the group.
“We went one up and held on in the second half, and as a defender it was great to get a clean sheet. That was the highlight for us.
“It was disappointing to get beat by England but I thought the boys did well. They had a lot of Premier League players in their side.
“It has definitely been a massive confidence boost, especially with the coach playing me in every minute of every game.
“I know now I can play against top players in the French and English U21 teams. Every one of their players was quality. You learn a lot from playing against guys like Swansea striker Tammy Abraham, who is on loan from Chelsea.
“Hopefully I can take it on into the Premiership this season.”
But Kerr’s immediate priority is reining in surprise Group B leaders Montrose with a win at Links Park.
Last term’s League Two champions have posted 1-0 victories over Falkirk and East Fife.
“Montrose isn’t quite as glamorous as Toulon but I have played against lower league clubs when I was out on loan (with East Fife and Queen of the South) so I know what it is all about,” he said.
“They will make it hard for us at their stadium. They have been doing well, getting promotion last season. We have to start well and get all three points.
“I have played against them a few times and it is never easy there.
“We know what we are up against but we have more quality and hopefully we can show it in this game.”
Perth skipper Joe Shaughnessy remains sidelined with a leg wound.
