St Johnstone V Hearts at McDiarmid Park : Match Preview

09 August 2016 16:34
St Johnstone V Hearts - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Blair Alston shocked by St Johnstone's expectations

Blair Alston discovered the standards at new club St Johnstone when they were disappointed to draw their opening Ladbrokes Premiership game against last year's runners-up.

So the summer signing knows they will fancy their chances of progressing to the Betfred Cup quarter-finals at the expense of Hearts on Wednesday night.

Saints and Aberdeen played out a goalless draw at McDiarmid Park on Sunday but Alston felt they should have had more than a point.

The former Falkirk midfielder told Saints' official website: "We'll play better throughout the season, definitely keep the ball better at times and hopefully improve individually as well, but we defended really well and created a few chances and on another day maybe could have nicked a goal.

"We came off disappointed almost. That shows the kind of team we feel we are.

"If they are going to be up there challenging and we are coming off after a point and thinking it was a bad result for us, then it shows we have come a long way and hopefully we can kick on again this season.

"It will be another tough game on Wednesday but I'm sure if we go about it the right way we will create chances and hopefully get a good result.

"We'll see on Wednesday after the game how far we can go. I think every game's going to be tough from now on in but if we apply ourselves right then I'm sure we can do well."

Chris Millar could come back into the squad. The midfielder missed the league opener with a groin injury but has rejoined training.

Defenders Keith Watson (thigh), Ally Gilchrist (groin) and Dave Mackay (hip) remain on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Hearts aim to use the Betfred Cup to kick-start their season after consecutive home defeats.

Robbie Neilson's men begin their cup campaign with a second-round tie against St Johnstone in Perth after being excused participation in the group stages because of their European commitments.

Their Europa League campaign began promisingly but a shock defeat at home to Maltese side Birkirkara punctured much of the pre-season optimism among fans.

And, despite running Celtic close at Tynecastle in their Ladbrokes Premiership opener, Hearts suffered defeat thanks to Scott Sinclair's late debut goal.

Striker Conor Sammon is now determined to provide a spark to their campaign at McDiarmid Park.

The former Kilmarnock forward said: "It's very important to take it one game at a time.

"We are aware of the quality St Johnstone have got, they have been in the top six for the past five or six years, which speaks for itself and speaks for the coaching work that has gone on there and the players there.

"But a cup run is a real opportunity to get momentum so early in the season.

"You want to get into the habit of winning games. There is no better feeling than that, whether it's to get three points or get in the next round of the cup.

"After I left Killie they won the League Cup and I went to watch that game. It's incredible the buzz the fans, players and coaching staff can get from doing well in a competition."

Hearts have enjoyed league success under head coach Neilson but have had more difficult times in the cups, losing three times to Celtic in two seasons before suffering the agony of being knocked out of the William Hill Scottish Cup by Hibernian before watching their rivals end their 114-year wait for the trophy.

On a cup run, Neilson said: "It gives you momentum. We will take a strong team and try to win because it's important that a club of Hearts' size is getting to the latter stage of competitions."

Neilson will include new signing Krystian Nowak in his squad after the 22-year-old Polish defender signed a two-year deal on Monday.

"We have been looking to recruit a centre-back since Jordan McGhee left for Middlesbrough," said Neilson, who is no closer to signing a wide-left midfielder. "Nowak came in and did really well, impressed with his attitude, blended with the squad and showed ability.

"It's a good market, the Polish market. We had Blazej (Augustyn) last year who was a bit more experienced, but a great character, great professionalism and a hunger to do well.

"He did well for us and hopefully Nowak will have that same spirit about him, and he has a chance here to progress."


Source: PAR