St Johnstone team togetherness praised as new arrivals settle quickly and goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov shines

Proud manager Steven MacLean hailed the togetherness of his new-look St Johnstone squad after Saturday’s stalemate with Celtic in Glasgow.

Eight summer arrivals got the nod from the start at Celtic Park and three of them were making their debuts in left-back Luke Robinson, midfielder Jay Turner-Cooke and forward Dara Costelloe.

This, however, looked like a team that had been playing together for months and one that showed determination and hard work in equal measure.

“It is always hard because you never quite know what you are going to get,” manager MacLean admitted.

“You see them doing good things in training but you never know until you pitch them in. They are young, hungry players who want to play at a high level.

“I’m delighted with my players. All the new players showed togetherness and work ethic. They did what we wanted to the letter of the law.

“It had been a tough pre-season and a big turnaround of players. We’re starting to get injuries back now too so we’re getting there.

“We will get better and it’s important now that we kick on after this result. We need to make sure we have the same work rate next week and get a result against Dundee.”

While Celtic had the majority of the ball as expected, Saints did have two wonderful chances through Costelloe and substitute Stevie May.

“It would’ve been a bit of a smash and grab,” MacLean said. “Celtic had chances.

“But at half-time I said we would get moments in the game. Costelloe had a great run and showed composure as well. He showed what he is about with his power and pace. May had a one-on-one too.

“That would’ve put the icing on the cake but I can’t complain about the result.”

Up the other end goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov offered up a man of the match