LIAM CRAIG has revealed he turned his back on offers from the Clydesdale Bank Premier League in order to remain with First Division St Johnstone.
The 21-year-old midfielder's contract was up at Falkirk but received an offer from the Bairns to stay and also had St Mirren boss Gus McPherson hot on his trail but after working with Derek McInnes during a loan spell did not want to move on from McD
iarmid Park. Craig, who was with Saints as a youngster before joining Ipswich, has signed a three-year deal and joined Martin Hardie and Peter MacDonald, who agreed two-year extensions, in committing his future to the club.
All three are expected to play against Rangers in tomorrow's Scottish Cup semi-final and Craig hopes to celebrate getting his future mapped out by securing a place in the final.
He said: "I'm delighted I've got my future sorted. Two SPL clubs came in with offers and Falkirk had offered a new deal. But Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty are great guys to work with and have massive ambitions for St Johnstone. I believe they can take me where I want to go.
"They helped revive my career but John Hughes at Falkirk gave me my chance over the last two years and I owe him a debt of gratitude.
Saints boss McInnes is hopeful ex-Chelsea star Jody Morris will pass a fitness test on a calf injury.
The 29-year-old joined the Perth club in order to get himself back playing after injury and has starred in Division One so is desperate to pit his wits against the likes of Barry Ferguson and prove he's still top class.
McInnes said: "Jody has been with the physio all week and it has been difficult for him to gauge it because he's never had a calf injury before. It would be great to have him available because he's a big game player and I know he will want to show he's the best player on the park."
The full article contains 356 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
