ST JOHNSTONE may have the smallest squad in the Scottish Premiership, but Callum Davidson feels it is a case of quality over quantity.
The Perth outfit embarked on the Betfred Cup over the international break and did so without two of their top performers in the shape of Ali McCann and Danny McNamara.
The duo were away representing their respective countries, but Saints didn’t appear to miss them as they cruised to victories over Kelty Hearts and Brechin.
Davidson will welcome McCann and Millwall loanee McNamara back into his squad for this weekend’s trip to Hamilton, but he was quick to hail those who gained some valuable minutes over the past week.
He said: “I’ve said before that I’ve got a small squad but of the 18 players I have, I could probably start all of them without it being detrimental to the team.
“The guys who have stepped in like Shaun (Rooney), Callum (Booth), Craig (Bryson) and Chris (Kane) have done well. Chris has been like a new signing for me.
“Danny flies back today [Wednesday] and Ali will hopefully be involved in Northern Ireland’s last game. It’s been a great experience for him.
“You want him to be playing games and keeping his match fitness levels up but it’s such a big thing for his career that he has been able to go there and learn off the other top players in the Northern Ireland squad.
“We’re hoping he comes back with a better knowledge of the game and fresh ideas.”
On the striker front Guy Melamed will complete his 14-day quarantine period this weekend but he will not be involved at Accies.
The Israeli striker penned a deadline day deal at McDiarmid Park and Davidson insists the signing has already had a positive impact on his squad.
Asked if he felt his other strikers were now on their toes, Davidson continued: “Definitely. It’s an area of the team that you want a good selection.
“The poor lad is still stuck in his hotel room. He’ll be tearing his hair out.
“Hopefully we’ll get him with us sooner rather than later. It might be Saturday and Sunday but he’ll definitely be involved the following week.
“I don’t know how much he’s enjoying his spin bike. It’s a tough situation. He’s come over from a different country on his own but that’s just the way it is just now with the rules and protocols.
“I’d have loved to get him involved and bedded into the team in the last couple of games but that hasn’t been possible.
“Chris [Kane] and then Guy are two fresh additions, while Stevie May is getting over his niggles. Compared to a few weeks ago that will be three more strikers than I had to pick from.”
Saints currently sit at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, but there is no need to panic according to Davidson.
He added: “Of course nobody wants to be down at the bottom. I think it was the injury-time goal against Celtic that has put us there.
“We want to climb the table and we believe that the energy levels and performances levels we’ll bring to games will get us out of that position.”
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