CALLUM DAVIDSON was satisfied with a point against Ross County on Saturday as the St Johnstone boss revealed he had to scramble together a midfield at the last minute of his preparations.
Graham Carey and Daniel Phillips picked up injuries in training during the week, while Ryan McGowan and Jamie Murphy were also struggling, but both managed to pull through to feature.
A midfield trio of McGowan, Murphy and Melker Hallberg were in from the start for Saints and Davidson was impressed with how his makeshift team coped against their Highland opponents.
Reflecting on the 0-0 tussle at McDiarmid, he said: “I thought we were good and worked it in good areas in the first half. We passed the ball quite well. The game plan worked.
“Jamie Murphy was struggling with an injury. Ryan McGowan was struggling as well but managed to train on Friday. I got good minutes out of them and we got a good spark from the ones who came on.
“Carey hurt his knee at training during the week. I don’t know how long he will be out for, his knee gained swelling overnight.
“It will be a matter of getting the swelling down and hopefully he will be ok. It was good to get Ryan McGowan in there in midfield though and I thought he adapted really well.”
Saints have picked up in form and have started to create more in the final third in recent weeks. The Perth men had opportunities through Stevie May and Andy Considine in the first half, but ultimately, they failed to break the deadlock.
Davidson continued: “I think home form has improved, we have tweaked the tactics a little bit and have tried to be a wee bit more attacking.
“Home form is key for us to be a success this season. There have been a lot of positives there, especially the last two home games.
“We have other fixtures coming up where we can get points. We will get everyone fit and healthy, and we will have a strong squad to pick from.”
Malky Mackay was also content to take away a point and a clean sheet from County’s trip to Perth.
He added: “It was a hard-fought point and a good clean sheet. In the first half it was probably a bit of basketball. Both teams were attacking each other, and both hit woodwork.
“Second half we came out with intent and pushed them back and we had some play where we were dominant in the wide areas.
“I was disappointed with the quality in the final third because that’s what was going to win it - the final cross, final pass, final strike.”
