quotes from the press room

St Johnstone v Aberdeen | Wednesday 30th January 2013 | 7.30pm KO

Craig Brown spoke to the press at lunchtime today. “I felt we played well on Sunday but could not get the goal we required. You cannot get a better chance than from the penalty spot so when you miss a spot kick you think it might be other of those days, another of those 0-0 games that we had at the start of the season.

“I am not too displeased though because I thought the team played well. Any football aficionado knows that we played well but we must get the ball into the net. There is no excuse if we continue to fire blanks like we did against Hibs.

“I was disappointed with the players when they were stepping over the ball, making an extra pass when they could have got an early shot away. The lads are aware of that and we talked about it when we watched the video as we always do. Watching the games allows them to pick up things and learn from their mistakes.

“Not enough of our shots troubled the goalkeeper. I was also concerned about the quality of our free kicks so that is something we will be working on. Defensively I thought we were strong and I thought Mark and Isaac did well together. We may not persevere with the partnership as we need Isaac in midfield as well.

“I was very pleased with both Isaac and Rob Milsom as it was their first games back. We really have missed the two of them and Stephen Hughes when he was out.

“Peter Pawlett also did very well. He will want to do well against the side he was on loan with. He came off early on Sunday with a tightness in his leg but hopefully he will have no stiffness tomorrow and will be able to play.

“Russell Anderson will have a try out to today to see if he can make the game in Perth.

“The same squad is available to me that we had on Sunday. There are no new knocks or injuries to worry about. Gary Naysmith and Ryan Jack are not ready to come in yet but hopefully they will be back very soon.

“St Johnstone have used the loan market well. They have some very capable players and some very good experienced players – one of whom I know very well as I picked him for Scotland and signed for Preston – Callum Davidson. His is typical of a number of their experienced players, has a great influence about the place. They also have some very good young players like Murray Davidson so there is a spark about them.”

The manager confirmed with Jason Brown leaving the club will look to bring in another goalkeeper before the transfer deadline on Thursday. It is unlikely there would be any other players coming in apart from a new goalkeeper.

RedTV | Craig Brown media conference please click here

RedTV | Scott Vernon media conference please click here