"Bundle of energy" Fran Franczak to challenge for first team minutes this season

St Johnstone youngster Fran Franczak will not be sent out on loan, manager Steven MacLean this week revealed.

And instead the 16-year-old will be pushing for minutes with the first team after impressing in training and in bounce games.

Perth fans got a glimpse of Franczak in pre-season and, since then, he has been going from strength to strength behind the scenes.

He was included in the squad for the weekend’s defeat to Rangers and may well be in line for more involvement in the months ahead.

“Fran has been brilliant,” MacLean said. “If you train well and play well, why not?

“He has proven that he is more than good enough and was brilliant again in a reserve game last week.

“It is now about trying to pick the right moment to put him in.

“He is staying - 100 per cent. I like him a lot and is a bundle of energy.

“He needs to keep progressing but he is doing really well.”

MacLean highlighted that Franczak, who has come through the Perth club’s academy, is a very versatile player.

MacLean said: “He will be a centre midfielder but he can play off a side and in behind.

“He has so much enthusiasm and energy, but quality too.”