St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas is backing Peter Enckelman to bounce back from his midweek mistake when he plays against Celtic tomorrow. Aberdeen's second goal in the 2-1 win in Perth was a result of a poor clearance from Enckelman who was way outside his box. Ryan Jack took a couple of touches to take the ball past the halfway line before carefully placing his shot into the net. This mistake has to be considered against some of his performances which have helped Saints achieve fourth-place, including a 1-0 win at Celtic under Lomas' predecessor Derek McInnes. Lomas has no doubts over Enckelman, who will start against Celtic on Sunday. Lomas' plans are also poised to be boosted by the return of some key personnel missing through injury in recent weeks.
Lomas said: "Peter's done brilliantly in other games and saved us at Hearts, saving a penalty to get us three points. He saved a penalty early on at Celtic Park earlier in the season and Derek will tell you that's probably the catalyst why they went on to get three points, because if Celtic score early against you at Celtic Park it's normally not a good sign." Lomas' time in charge at St Johnstone began with a 0-0 draw against Rangers, before wins over Hibs and Hearts. Saints now take on Celtic seeking to bounce back from Lomas' first two losses in charge, last Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Motherwell and Tuesday's setback against the Dons. Lomas has been without striker Francisco Sandaza (thigh), captain Jody Morris (hamstring) and his fellow midfielder Kevin Moon (illness) in recent games. Defender Frazer Wright (thigh) and striker Cillian Sheridan (hamstring) have also been missing. At least some of the key absentees may be available on Sunday, but Lomas was keeping his cards close to his chest. Speaking yesterday he said: "We're taking stock at the minute and hopefully will have a couple back. We'll make a decision tomorrow." Lomas will see a familiar face on Sunday, with Celtic manager Neil Lennon a former colleague at youth level at Manchester City and a partner in midfield for Northern Ireland. Lomas was 12 when he first met Lennon and they were room-mates during their international careers, with Lomas bemoaning the latter's snoring. Lomas would be thrilled to get one over his friend this weekend with a Saints success. He went on: "Nothing would please me more - I'd be delighted. I know what he's all about - he's a winner. It will be a great contest. But it's about the teams, it's not about me and Lenny. It's about the teams out on the pitch. We're just desperate to get a good performance. If you get a good performance it takes care of the result. We know Celtic are on a good run and we will have to be at our best." Lomas dismissed the impact of Celtic's Europa League trip to Italy on Thursday night - when a 1-1 draw at Udinese saw them eliminated from the Europa League - but insisted his side can play free from expectation, with Lennon's men in need of a result to maintain their chase on the SPL title. Lomas added: "The onus is on Celtic, the pressure's on Celtic. They can't afford to lose or drop any points. They've got a big squad and got quite a lot of options. Whatever team Celtic put out it will be a tough game and we're not planning for anything less. I know my boys will be up for it and it will certainly be an honest, committed display."
Source: FOOTYMAD
