ST JOHNSTONE moved yesterday to secure three key players on new contracts ahead of their Scottish Cup semi-final with Rangers. Midfielder Martin Hardie agreed an extended two-year deal, as did striker Peter MacDonald, while on-loan midfielder Liam Craig has agreed a three-year deal.
Craig had been offered an extended deal by Falkirk and two SPL clubs were on his trail. But he has committed himself long-term to the Perth club.
"It's great news for the club and I have to say a big 'thank you' to chairman Geoff Brown for his bac
king and supporting my plans for the football club," said Saints' manager Derek McInnes. "There was interest from elsewhere in all three players. But they see what we are trying to do here. It's good a piece of business for St Johnstone.
"Liam had more lucrative offers from elsewhere so it's fantastic that he sees his future at St Johnstone. He is a Premier-class player, but now he can fulfil his potential with us. He has been outstanding since coming here on loan. Now we will be negotiating a fee with Falkirk."
McInnes believes Hardie will be a key man against Rangers after overwhelming the Celtic midfield at the same stage of the competition last year.
Hardie was a stand-out against Gordon Strachan's side as Saints crashed out at the last-four stage at Hampden despite dictating the game for long spells. The former Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle man, who scored 15 goals for the Perth side last term, has missed the vast majority of this season with a hernia problem and there is no doubt his absence has been sorely felt.
But Hardie has been back in training in recent weeks and played 90 minutes against Morton last weekend, so McInnes is ready to unleash him on Rangers and hopes he can do his best to rough up the other half of the Old Firm.
"For me, Martin Hardie was the best player on the park against Celtic in the semi-final last season," McInnes said.
"He's not fully match fit but he's had games and getting 90 minutes under his belt last weekend was a huge boost for him and the team.
"He has trained fine all week, so he'll make it. He's an inspirational figure when he's in full flow and he drives us on so he's a big asset to the team.
"His determination to do well is amazing so we're delighted he's come back just at the right time because there's no doubt we've missed him this season."
St Johnstone's semi-final hopes have been boosted by news of injuries to Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor and forward Lee McCulloch, while David Weir is banned following his red card against Celtic in midweek.
On the face of it, that should make Saints' task easier, but McInnes knows Ibrox manager Walter Smith has enough quality in reserve to field a strong side tomorrow.
"I wouldn't say that Rangers having players out injured and suspended is a boost, I don't like talking in those terms," McInnes added.
"But there is no doubt that Allan McGregor, David Weir and Lee McCulloch are big players for them. McGregor has turned in some magnificent performances for them and so has Davie Weir.
"Both of them have been mentioned as potential players of the year so there's no doubt that Rangers are a better side with them in there."
Saints are hoping Jody Morris will shake off a calf injury in time to play.
The former Chelsea midfielder has been back at Stamford Bridge to receive treatment in order to get him fit for the match at Hampden.
The full article contains 625 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
