St Johnstone new boy Michael Coulson hoping to play his part against Falkirk
Michael Coulson insists the patter of tiny feet will not distract him from getting his St Johnstone career off on the right foot.
The former York striker is settling into life in Scotland following his summer switch north but as well as adapting to his new home, he and wife Rachel also have the expected arrival of their first child early next week to contend with.
It is a lot for the 28-year-old to take in but Coulson believes he can take fatherhood and football in his stride.
The Scarborough-born forward - who should make his Saints debut when Falkirk visit Perth for Saturday's Betfred Cup clash - told Press Association Sport: "I'm settling in well. The club have sorted my wife and I out with a nice house in Kinross, which is a lovely area.
"It's a small town but pretty similar to the places we used to live when I was playing down south.
"It's quiet but perfect for us. We've got a baby due on Monday but Kinross is a nice place for walks and to get out of the house.
"It's a big change for us because we are so far from our families. We've got a new home, a new baby coming and a new club for me but I'm just looking forward to it. It's a fresh challenge.
"Hopefully I can deliver. I'm not worried about not being able to focus on my football. There is a lot going on in my life right now but ask any footballer, once you're on the training ground you forget about everything. It's just football for that hour-and-a-half.
"I know I need to make an impression. I picked up a little thigh strain last week but it's all right now. Fingers crossed I get to play my part on Saturday against Falkirk."
Coulson suffered the pain of relegation when Jackie McNamara's Minstermen finished bottom of Sky Bet League Two last season.
But he reckons he can help Tommy Wright's men maintain their incredible run of top-six finishes which now stretches to five years.
"I had a little bit of success at York," he said. "We got into the play-offs so I've tasted being at the top end of the league.
"Last year was a disappointment for everyone at York but I saw coming up here as a great opportunity for myself. The team finished fourth last season which was an unbelievable achievement. I want to add to the team and help them get up there again."
Meanwhile, Wright has confirmed Murray Davidson (hamstring), Dave McKay (hip), Ally Gilchrist (pelvis) and David Wotherspoon (wrist) miss out for Saints as they host Peter Houston's Bairns.
Falkirk could be without midfielder Will Vaulks at McDiarmid Park as Rotherham have stepped up their attempts to sign the 22-year-old.
Peter Grant is the only injury absentee for the Bairns with a knee problem.
Manager Peter Houston said: "I was pleased with our win over Elgin in midweek as we played the game at the right tempo. We were sharp and quick and all the things we were not when we lost against Stirling.
"We need to be at our best to win at St Johnstone and this game also gives us a chance to see where we are for the challenges ahead."
Source: PAR
