The explanation for Jason Kerr’s Scotland under-21 snub “doesn’t stack up” according to St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright.
And the Perth boss expressed his disappointment for the young centre-back that he hasn’t been included in Scot Gemmill’s latest squad.
He said: “I am really disappointed for Jason.
“I spoke to people who were at the Toulon Tournament and they told me he did very well. He was probably Scotland’s best defender throughout the competition.
“The reason he’s been given is that he’s not eligible for the next campaign.
“That is a valid reason – but there are other players who are older than him in the squad.
“So that doesn’t stack up for me.
“If it’s a football reason then just tell Jason that. He’s big enough to take it.
“It’s convenient to hide behind the fact he’s not available for the next campaign.
“He’s had caps at that level and I’m disappointed he’s not involved this time.
“But on the plus side for me as his club manager, he’s had a busy summer so he will get a break now.”
Meanwhile, Wright is content with the progression of contract talks now that he has one year left on his current deal. And he is also optimistic that the last week of the transfer window will yield a new signing.
“I had a very positive meeting with the chairman this week,” he said.
“There have been discussions and I can’t see any problems there from either side.
“My future will take care of itself, but right now both of us are more focused on improving the squad.
“We are still looking for a midfielder and we have options.
“I need to get one of two of the young ones out and there have been a few enquiries.
“So we are hoping to get someone in before the end of the window.
“We have done well in the recruitment this summer, we have got the players we wanted in and they’ve hit the ground running.”
Today’s game against local rivals Dundee would be the perfect time for Saints to get their first league win of the season.
Wright said: “It was important to build on the performance against Hibs and we did that against Queen of the South last weekend.
“Now we want our first league win. We want those first three points on the board and that is the aim this weekend.”
Brian Easton’s injury torment shows no sign of ending, with David Wotherspoon (ankle injury) also expected to miss out today. Steven Anderson is available.
“Easty has to see a specialist,” Wright reported. “It has been a horrendous year for him.
“It has just been so difficult to clear up, we need to get him looked at and hopefully sorted once and for all.”
