LEVEINAIMSFOR DONSREPEAT Aberdeen v St Johnstone
Saints are on retrieval mission following Hibs defeat
Craig Levein hopes St Johnstone can draw on one of the high points of their inconsistent campaign at Pittodrie tomorrow.
The Saints boss craves a repeat effort of the 2-0 victory over Aberdeen in late February.
Nicky Clark’s penalty before the break was adequate reward for an accomplished first half display.
A superb ball over the top from Diallang Jaiyesimi for Benji Kimpioka to finish sealed a timely success 13 minutes from time.
Overall, it was the perfect response to the poor performance in Paisley four days earlier when meekly losing to St Mirren.
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Hundreds of runners gathered in Perth for the highlight of their season as they took part in the Tay Ten open race.
Members of Perth Road Runners were among some of the athletes who took part in the 10-mile event through the Fair City on Sunday, April 28.
Alongside members from clubs across the Perth and Kinross region and beyond, more than 250 people who pounded the pavements for the popular 10-mile event which organisers Perth Road Runners hailed a huge success.
Saints are on a retrieval mission once again in the north east after last Saturday’s sorry struggle in home defeat to Hibs.
And, encouragingly, there’s scope for Jaiyesimi and Kimpioka to reunite against the Dons.
Winger ‘DJ’ has been out since suffering a knee injury at home to Livingston on March 2 when in the best form of his loan spell from Charlton.
He’s in full training and in contention to return. Kimpioka, meanwhile, is primed to start if Adama Sidibeh doesn’t shake off an ankle problem.
Levein said: “DJ was doing well before he got injured and was into a bit of a rhythm.
“So it was a blow losing him when we did. He’s a bit different to the other strikers we have.
“He’s a bit stronger and more physical. He holds the ball up very well and what he brings is something we’ve missed in the last month or two.
“DJ has good experience and he can play a few positions too. He can play through the middle, he can play on the left, as a number ten.
“And I think he could play on the right too if we asked him to. He was very good against Aberdeen the last time.
“He set up Benji’s goal with a great pass through. So we’ll be delighted to get him back again because he’s definitely got plenty to offer.
“Benji has been pretty good when he’s come off the bench recently. So I wouldn’t have any worries about him if Adama doesn’t make it. He’s certainly got some good recent memories of Aberdeen.”
Such inspiration is sorely required again as Saints seek points to push them clear of play-off peril with four games left.
Some veteran calm would come in handy, too, in the tension of the relegation fight.
Levein is confident of Graham Carey, who turns 35 in a fortnight, producing on that front.
“Graham has been great for us and will be a big player for us,” said Levein. “He’s played a lot of the games for me since I came in. He’s got good experience and is the one who, when there’s a bit of turmoil and chaos in a game, can put his foot on it and calm everyone else down.
“He can pick a few passes and get everyone’s confidence back in a footballing sense.”