CALLUM DAVIDSON has revealed that he is still hopeful of adding to his St Johnstone squad – but he admits any possible deals could go down to the wire on transfer deadline day.
Saints have struggled on the goal scoring front of late so a striker is at the forefront of Davidson’s mind, but he also hasn’t ruled out the possibility of further adding to his team if the right player becomes available.
Scotland’s transfer window slams shut at midnight on October 5 and the Perth boss is adamant that he will pull out all the stops to ensure that his squad is in the best possible shape by the close of play on Monday.
Speaking to Herald and Times Sport, Davidson said: “We’re working behind the scenes to try and make a few signings. We’ll see what happens. Hopefully we’ll get at least one in, possibly two.
“It’s a time when things can change quite rapidly so we’re always looking. To make deals happen sometimes you need to take a leap of faith in who you want to sign.
“In the last month things have picked up in the market and more players have been signed. There are players available and deals to be done. I’m hopeful that we’ll definitely get one in.”
On the importance of adding a frontman to his squad, Davidson continued: “Stevie May has only had two games when he’s been fully fit and he’s had chances in games.
“I’m not overly concerned by that. If we weren’t getting into the right areas and creating chances, I’d be more concerned.
“If I can find the right striker to improve the team and get me consistent goals, not just add to the squad, it’s something I’ll push the chairman for.
“It’s not just the strikers. We need others to start chipping in with goals to take the pressure off – we can be more of a threat from free-kicks and corners.
“I’m really pleased with the way Stevie’s moving and I’m sure the goals will come back.”
In recent weeks McDiarmid Park supporters have called for Davidson to make use of his assistant Steven MacLean to spearhead the Saints attack.
But despite the former Rangers man being registered as a player, Davidson has explained that it would take somewhat of a crisis for the 38-year-old to dust off his playing boots.
He joked: “He’s playing deeper and deeper every time he gets involved in training. He’s playing centre-half at the moment!
“Macca can still play, no problems. He’s still training, still fit, still doing the runs with the lads and still near the top.
“It would only be if I had two or three injured. It would be unfair to use him otherwise. We’ll only use him if there’s an injury crisis.”
Saints, who have lost their last three games and currently sit joint bottom of the league, welcome champions Celtic to McDiarmid Park on Sunday.
On the injury front, Davidson has revealed that he will have a full squad to pick from with Craig Bryson and Callum Booth coming back into the fold.
He added: “Callum Booth and Craig Bryson are both fit. The only one with a slight niggle is Chris Kane. He’ll be touch and go. Hopefully we’ll have everybody available.
“With Craig, we need to make sure we get his training load right. We need to get him ready for Sunday – whether that’s starting or coming off the bench.
“Callum is a bit different.
“We’ve got a couple of games in quick succession after Sunday and we need to have a full squad to pick from. We’ll lose Ali McCann and Danny McNamara for the Betfred Cup games, which will be an opportunity for others. To step in and perform well.”
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