SAINTS READY FOR SPL CURTAIN-RAISER IN THE CAPITAL

Perhaps it’s our involvement in the Europa League but after what seems to be the shortest summer ever, the SPL kicks off again tomorrow.

Saints begin the 38-match campaign at the same venue as they finished our away matches last season – Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh and the always-atmospheric ground will no doubt be buzzing as the new campaign gets underway.

Those two Europa League matches have done the squad no harm in preparing for the game against Hearts and Steve Lomas can call on a full squad of players including all seven summer additions.

Ahead of this morning’s official photocall, Lomas told the Saints Website: “We’re all looking forward to it. In many ways its been a strange pre-season – the two Euro games makes us feel as if we have done a lot already and the league hasn’t even started but it was great to have had a taste of that. We want that again in a year’s time but first things first – survival in the SPL will always be priority number one and this year is no different.

“That doesn’t mean we are not ambitious but teams who start to get ahead of themselves are the ones that land in trouble. This club spent a long time out of the SPL and so staying in it will always be the priority but we showed last season we can make our mark and there is no reason we can’t do it again.”

One player looking forward to tomorrow is striker Gregory Tade – already on the score sheet this season thanks to his goal in the Europa League match in Perth.

The former Inverness Caley man says: “We’re ready and we are looking forward to it. I may be with a new side but I know what the SPL is all about and I’m ready to play my part. We couldn’t have a better place to start the campaign – the crowd is right on top of you at Tynecastle and players like that. We’re going there determined to win.”

Kick off tomorrow is at 3pm and tickets remain on sale at McDiarmid Park until 5pm tonight. Those making a late decision to go to the game after that can buy tickets at the away end ticket office at Tynecastle on the day.

PHOTO: Gregory Tade limbers up in training this morning