PREMIERSHIP RETURNS TO PERTH TONIGHT

After the relatively short winter break, Saints are back in SPFL Premiership action tonight when Aberdeen visit McDiarmid Park in a rearranged fixture (kick off 7.45pm).

For Craig Levein’s side it’s not only a case of trying to bounce back from last Saturday’s disappointing Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Airdrieonians but trying to build on the many positive aspects of progress made in the Premiership games prior to Christmas.

Although the results in those December fixtures were not always what we’d hoped for, there was clear signs of progress in terms of what Craig and Andy Kirk are trying to achieve.

That said, the outcome in our last home game against Hibernian – some five and a half weeks ago – was a very positive one when we defeated the Easter Road side thanks to a Graham Carey goal and so it would be great to follow that up with a victory over the Dons this evening.

Barry Robson’s side will come to Perth tonight looking to make the game their next step towards gaining some form of consistency.  Over that same December period, the Dons won two and lost two of their league fixtures and they come to McDiarmid Park with 22 points from 18 Premiership fixtures.

At yesterday’s press conference, Craig Levein revealed that midfielder Dan Phillips could return to the fray after injury.

“Dan has trained” said the manager.  “He’s had a wee hamstring issue which has kept him out for a couple of weeks but he may be available for this one.  He’s having a really good season and so it would be good to be able to have him available.”

Craig also revealed that James Brown, Luke Jephcott and Cammy Ballantyne have been told that they can leave the club if so desired.

“I’ve told James and Luke that if they want to find another club then they can do so and I’ll help them if I can.  Cammy can also go if he can find something suitable.”

Tonight’s game has a 7.45pm kick off and season tickets are, of course, valid.

Tickets for Saints fans who are not season ticket holders are available to buy online until half-time here: HOME TICKETS

The match is available to view from home on a pay-per-view basis – PURCHASE MATCH PASS HERE