Ii-demand St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson is being backed to take today’s game against Rangers in his stride.
Davidson has attracted attention almost from the day he joined the Perth men from Livingston two years ago, but the ante was upped considerably when a bid came in from Ibrox just over a week ago.
It was an impossible-to-accept offer of just £150,000 that was quickly thrown out by Saints, thereby ensuring he remains at McDiarmid at least until a more realistic attempt is made.
It showed he is on their radar, as well as also attracting attention from Hearts and Wolves. Facing up to a club that wants to sign him is not the easiest of tasks for a young player but one of his senior colleagues, central defender Frazer Wright, is backing Davidson to cope.
“I have got to know Murray over the last few months and he hasn’t changed in that time,” said Wright. “Even over the last week or so, with the speculation and the interest from Rangers, it hasn’t bothered him.
“He is not the type of lad to let these things get to him. He is putting 100% into St Johnstone and knows this club pays his wages just now.
“He has been getting a bit of stick from his team-mates, as you would expect. For example, every time his phone rings the lads are saying it must be Rangers. That’s just a bit of a joke, though, and it hasn’t fazed him one bit.”
Today is a big day for everyone at McDiarmid Park, not just Davidson, as they open their home SPL campaign on a shiny, new playing surface.
A draw against Aberdeen at Pittodrie wasn’t a bad way to kick off the season.
Wright, whose previous outing at the the stadium was a painful one, can’t wait for this match to come along.First game”It will be my first game at McDiarmid since I broke my collar bone on April 2 when playing for Kilmarnock,” he said. “It was good to get a clean sheet and an away point to start things off. That definitely gives us something to build upon.
“We have had all our close-season games away from home because of the pitch being replaced so it will be nice to be in front of our home fans. The only time I have been on the new park was for the taking of the team photo but it looks good so I am looking forward to playing on it.”
Much has been made of Rangers’ winless start but that is not something that has preyed on Wright’s mind.
Asked if it will have any impact on this fixture, he replied, “I don’t think so because they are such a massive club and are the champions.
“It remains a hard game for us and we will just be aiming to concentrate on ourselves. St Johnstone is the only thing that matters to me and the rest of the lads here. We have a chance to show our fans what to expect during the season.
“We just need to keep things tight and we know we are capable of hurting teams.”
Liam Caddis has been ruled out for Saints.
The young midfielder is struggling with an ankle injury which will keep him out another week.
New striker Francisco Sandaza is short of match fitness and will not feature.
Rangers will be without skipper David Weir.
The defender suffered a hamstring injury during the midweek Champions League qualifier against Malmo and has been ruled out of the trip to Perth.
New signing Dorin Goian could make his debut after being granted a work permit, while Kyle Lafferty is still recovering from a hernia operation.