FC Luzern coach’s fears ahead of Europa League clash with St Johnstone

The manager of St Johnstone’s Europa League opponents is worried that their clash with the Perth men will come too soon for his new-look side.

Tommy Wright’s squad will feature no new faces when Saints and FC Luzern clash next week. Apart from James Dunne, who has left for Portsmouth, Wright could field the whole Scottish Cup winning team if he chooses.

His opposite number, Carlos Bernegger, on the other hand has had to cut costs and replace seven players, star man Dimitar Rangelov among them.

And most of his new recruits will be making their competitive debuts against Saints next Thursday.

Bernegger is concerned his team hasn’t had enough time to gel.

“We are in the middle of a transition so it will take time for the team to bond together,” he said.

“We have been working hard to make this happen as quickly as possible. Some of the players from last season are no longer here and we have signed seven new ones.

“We will need to quickly find what team to play.It could take six or seven games before we know exactly where we’re going.

“But it’s better to have a competitive match in Europe straight away so we can begin the process.”