May targets double figures
St Johnstone striker Stevie May says he is targeting at least 10 goals as he strives to prove he can cut it in the Scottish Premiership.
The 20-year-old frontman has spent the last 18 months farmed out to Alloa and Hamilton in Scotland's lower divisions.
But 45 goals in that time has convinced Perth boss Tommy Wright to give the youngster his chance.
And the confident forward said: "I'm taking things one game at a time right now but I am determined to play as many games as possible and score as many as possible.
"I'd like to get to double figures but that all depends on how many games I play."
May - who will line up for Saints against Hearts in Sunday's opening Premiership fixture at McDiarmid Park - has already taken one step towards his target with a crucial strike against Rosenborg in the club's Europa League clash.
And the striker says he is ready to use the goal as a launchpad for his career.
"My goal over the last two seasons has always been to end up coming back and playing for Saints," he said. "I really enjoyed my time with Alloa and Hamilton but this is the season where I see myself getting my head down and playing as much as possible.
"I want to show that I can do well at this level.
"The goal against Rosenborg was the biggest of my career. I've scored a lot of goals and they are all good but that one was another level. The feeling I got running over to the fans was great.
"I've scored in the SPL before and I've never doubted myself but that will be a goal that I know I can look back on say it was a massive moment in my career. I'll always remember it."
Boss Wright is sweating on midfielder Chris Millar recovering from a groin injury ahead of their McDiarmid meeting with the Jambos, while defender Frazer Wright and young striker Dylan Easton are both suspended.
Hearts have a fitness concern over Kevin McHattie.
The left-back has been struggling with a tight hamstring this week and will be assessed before the trip to Perth.
Midfielder Callum Tapping has overcome a fitness scare after being taken off against a Liverpool XI last weekend.
Hearts striker Callum Paterson is refusing to be fazed by their 15-point deduction ahead of the Scottish Premiership opener.
Administration-hit Hearts go into the season with just two outfield players aged over 21 and the inability to bring in any more until at least February following a fresh Scottish Football Association registration embargo.
But Paterson insists Hearts can overcome the odds and survive in the top flight.
"Of course, no doubt about it," the 18-year-old said. "We just have to keep on the way we are going.
"We have not lost many games in pre-season and we had a good performance against Liverpool.
"If we carry on that performance into the league we should have no problems at all.
Paterson added: "To be honest we are just trying to get results, we are not focusing on how far we're behind we are.
"We are focusing on ourselves and if we get the results then everything will be fine and we'll be up there."
Source: PA
