Experienced St Johnstone stars showing determination in training to win back starting roles

St Johnstone’s experienced professionals are remaining hungry to fight back into starting roles, manager Callum Davidson has revealed.

Certain members of the Perth squad – the likes of David Wotherspoon and Jamie Murphy – have had to settle for a spot on the bench more often than not in recent times.

Davidson says those currently occupying the jerseys have been deserving of them, backed up by away victories against Motherwell and Dundee United to steer Saints away from trouble.

Davidson explained: “The boys who have played the last few games have deserved to.

“It’s been great for me that they’ve done well and got a couple of important wins.

“It’s also great for me that the other guys are really hungry – players like Jamie Murphy and David Wotherspoon. Graham Carey as well, but he’s played a bit more.

“They’ve looked really determined in training. I’ve spoken to them and they are frustrated. But that’s what I’d expect. It’s part of being in a squad.”

Wotherspoon, a three-time major cup winner with Saints, has seen limited game-time since returning from World Cup duty with Canada at the tail end of last year.

Davidson said: “David came back from a really bad injury and everything was geared towards getting to the World Cup.

“You can see him getting back to his best in training. He’s got to fight for his place in the team whereas before the injury he was used to being a definite starter.

“Other players are doing well in his position and I know his attitude will be terrific and he’ll want to show me that he deserves to be in the team.

“We’re all striving for the same thing – win as many games as we can.”

With confidence high after a dramatic tussle of Tayside win against Dundee United last Saturday, Saints now welcome