Eric Nicolson

1 week ago | thecourier.co.uk | Eric Nicolson

St Johnstone are set to add two more Championship players to their squad for next season’s promotion push. Fresh from tying up Morton captain, Jack Baird, on a two-year contract, Simo Valakari is closing in on another double deal, Courier Sport understands. The Saints boss has lined up a SECOND Cappielow defender, Morgan Boyes. And he also wants to sign Raith Rovers forward, Jamie Gullan.

1 week ago | thecourier.co.uk | Eric Nicolson

Simo Valakari has challenged Taylor Steven to take his game to the next level after an impressive end to the Premiership season earned the youngster his first Scotland age-group call-up. The 20-year-old made 16 appearances for Saints after returning to Perth half-way through a season-long loan in Northern Ireland, starting every game of the post-split phase of the campaign. Steven’s displays at left-back led to Scot Gemmill selecting him for an under-20 friendly in Slovakia on Friday night.

1 week ago | thecourier.co.uk | Eric Nicolson

St Johnstone signing Jack Baird has pledged to help his new team quickly get used to life as a Championship club. But the experienced centre-back, who has joined on a two-year deal from Morton to become the first part of Simo Valakari’s summer squad overhaul, wants to make sure it’s a short stay in the second tier for the McDiarmid Park side. “Honestly, I am absolutely over the moon,” said Baird, a dressing room leader in Greenock.

1 week ago | thecourier.co.uk | Eric Nicolson

Two St Johnstone fringe players have been called up by their countries to play in an international tournament in London this week. Aaron Essel, currently on loan with North Texas Soccer Club in America, has been selected for the full Ghana squad for the Unity Cup, having previously been a regular for the under-23s. Andre Raymond, who spent the last few months of the season at Dunfermline and has now been transfer-listed, has been picked by Dwight Yorke for Trinidad and Tobago.

1 week ago | thecourier.co.uk | Eric Nicolson

Graham Carey is hoping to go down the coaching route, according to St Johnstone boss, Simo Valakari. But the Irishman says Carey the manager might find Carey the player hard to deal with!Saints fans were treated to a few magic moments from the former Plymouth Argyle star over his three seasons at McDiarmid Park. Valakari decided not to offer the 35-year-old a fresh deal after his latest contract finished last weekend.