St Johnstone V Inverness CT at McDiarmid Park : Match Preview

01 May 2015 18:01
St Johnstone V Inverness CT - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Miller in the dark over future

Gary Miller is aiming to push St Johnstone to a third consecutive European qualification - and give himself a chance of being there to enjoy it.

The full-back is out of contract in the summer and in the dark over his future, but he boosted his chances of a new deal when he helped Saints to a 2-0 win over Dundee last weekend in his first start since January.

That pushed them above Dundee United and into fourth spot in the Scottish Premiership and they can cut the gap on third-placed Inverness to one point when they host Caley Thistle on Saturday.

Miller said: "I haven't a clue what's happening. It always is difficult. When you have a young kid to look after as well it's worrying times.

"I just need to keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully something happens, whether I get offered something here or somewhere else and take it from there.

"I signed my contract last year at the end of May, so that's just how it is these days. Everyone is waiting to see where they finish so I just need to take it from there.

"Obviously we are chasing to stay ahead of United and catch Caley. If we can get a win on Saturday then that puts us on better ground.

"There were a few spells when we were just trying to make sure we were top six, but now we are up to fourth and Saturday is a big game."

Steven Anderson and Simon Lappin are back in the St Johnstone squad for the visit of Inverness. The pair missed last weekend's victory at Dundee through suspension.

Brian Easton remains a doubt with the knock that forced him out of the Dens Park game.

Inverness midfielder Ross Draper is suspended. The midfielder serves the second game of his two-match ban.

Dean Brill and Richie Foran are out for the season with knee injuries.

Inverness midfielder Nick Ross admits he will be playing for a William Hill Scottish Cup final place as well as Scottish Premiership points if he faces St Johnstone on Saturday.

Inverness have five league fixtures left before their May 30 Hampden date against Falkirk and begin with a trip to Perth.

With fellow midfielder Draper suspended for the match, Ross believes Saturday is the perfect opportunity for him to lay claim to a final spot - if he is picked as Draper's replacement.

"There's a lot of places up for grabs in the final. I've played the last game and I might play this weekend," the former Scotland Under-21 cap said.

"Draper is out suspended so whoever comes in has got a chance to stake their place for playing in the final. Whoever comes in has to take their chance."

Inverness go into the fixture at St Johnstone in the final guaranteed European place, four points ahead of Saints in fourth with a game in hand on their weekend opponents.

But Caley Thistle have struggled on their travels to McDiarmid Park, winning just one of their last seven games in Perth.

In contrast, Inverness have won their last four home fixtures against Saints, with 2-1 and 2-0 victories respectively for the Caley Jags this season.

Ross added: "It is a tough game when we play down there. We never seem to play too well down there but we have played them at home a few times and we have beaten them so we can take that positive going in."


Source: PAR