MANAGER HAPPY WITH IRELAND EXCURSION

Derek McInnes was today reflecting on a successful few days in Ireland as preparation for the new season moved into its next phase.

Saints drew with Drogheda and beat UCD during the five day stay in Ireland, where they were based near Dublin.

After flying back to Scotland this afternoon, Derek said “It was a very worthwhile trip and we got a lot out of it. It gave the boys a further chance to bond and following on from our stay at Largs the week before, the new players are very much part of the squad now.

“We’ve come through it unscathed in terms of injuries which is always important and the only casualty at the moment is Carl Finnigan who is suffering from blisters. It was good to be able to get people like Jody Morris and Jamie Adams involved, players who did not get much football in the latter stages of last season”

The manager confirmed that he will continue to monitor his trialists in training this week and both are likely to feature in the next public work-out on Wednesday night against Dundee at Dens Park (7.30pm kick-off)

The financial arrangement Saints have agreed with Dundee FC is that we shall retain all admission money generated by the travelling support after stewarding expenses and it is hoped that a healthy crowd will make the short journey from Perth for what is always a keenly anticipated game irrespective of its nature.

The Saints Under 19 side found it tough going in the Oban Tournament at the weekend, losing three games and drawing two but there was plenty for coach Alec Cleland to be positive about.

“We had a poor start and Dundee United, Oban Saints and Alloa Athletic were a wee bit older and simply over-powered us to be honest” Alec said this afternoon. “There was a fair bit of naivety and inexperience amongst our younger players but that was to be expected and once I introduced some of our more experienced lads we look a bit more like the thing and finished strongly with a couple of draws.”

Alec knows his side face a steep learning curve in the SPL but has no fears.

“We have been here before – there is always a lot to learn early in the season but the past couple of seasons we have improved as the campaign has progressed and our lads have gained experience. This is another young batch again and we will have to be patient.”

PHOTO: The players, including Marcus Haber, enjoy a game of head tennis in Dublin