Stevie May’s route to success is the template for creating a generation of young Scottish talent, according to the manager who first sent the striker out on loan.
Former Perth boss Steve Lomas believes the spells at Alloa and Hamilton were the making of May, combined with the player’s own determination.
Now in charge at English Championship outfit Millwall, Lomas is delighted that May has been awarded the Scottish Premiership player of the month accolade and is making his name in a Scotland shirt with the Under-21s.
“We did the right thing by Stevie when we sent him out on loan from St Johnstone. His confidence was right down because he hadn’t progressed the way he would have liked after getting an early taste of first team football,” Lomas said.
“I could have been selfish and kept Stevie around McDiarmid to play five minutes here and there from the bench because of that daft Under-21 rule. He actually got a run in the Europa League against Eskisehirspor but what good would bit parts have done the lad?
“To be fair to the kid, he grasped the opportunities at Alloa and Hamilton. He didn’t go away and sulk, he embraced it, knuckled down, scored goals by the barrowload and improved his game at lower levels to make sure he was ready when he came back to Saints in the summer.
“We knew he was too good for the level Alloa were playing at but Paul Hartley helped him along and it was the same at Hamilton. But coaching can only take you so far. At some stage you have to stand on your own two feet.”
Lomas added: “I believe young players have to play up a level to progress. They have to be playing in a first team, against men and in games where the result counts, rather than against lads their own age in the reserves.
“I’m not giving myself a pat on the back here or blowing my own trumpet. It is Stevie who deserves the credit for seizing the opportunity and coming back from the loans a far more mature and rounded player. He deserves all the praise that is going and he’s a great example for other young players.
“He reminds me of a few players down here in England. Look at Andros Townsend, who is around the same age. He went out on loan nine or 10 times, struggled sometimes, but now he is a big player for Spurs and an England international.
“In Scotland, Dundee United put Johnny Russell out on loan to Raith Rovers at one stage and he earned himself a big move to Derby after coming back and impressing in the SPL.
“I’m delighted to see Stevie having such a great season and getting this award. He’s a good kid and I wish him the very best. His attitude has been key to his progress.
“I know Saints got him on a longer term contract but if he keeps scoring goals the club will reap the benefit in terms of a substantial transfer fee and Stevie will take another step forward in his career.”