St Johnstone

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St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari admits the loss of on-loan defender Zach Mitchell to a season-ending knee injury is a "big blow", but remains confident someone else in the squad can step up.

The 21-year-old has returned to Charlton for treatment and rehabilitation after suffering the injury against Falkirk before the international break and undergoing surgery.

Mitchell made nine appearances in his second loan spell in Perth and had become a key member of Valakari's defence.

"He will come back stronger and we were already talking after the operation with him about when the recovery and rehabilitation will start," Valakari told Saints TV.

"Of course it is a big blow, first of all for the boy with those things happening, but at the same time (there is) a feeling for our fans because they don't see a great player playing in action for your team. We were a better team when he was with us, but these things happen.

"I have always said it - we are as strong as our squad is and we have a strong squad. Now there will be some player stepping in and taking this place."

Saints resume the domestic campaign in sixth place on eight points before Sunday's trip to Aberdeen.

Centre-back Cheick Diabate is suspended after his red card against Falkirk.

Croatian defender Bozo Mikulic could make a return from his lengthy injury lay-off, having come through through two closed-doors matches.

Valakari said: "Cheick Diabate is missing through the suspension. It is one game, he will be out, but otherwise, everyone is fit and healthy, so it is a good situation."

Centre-half Bozo Mikulic is poised to return to St Johnstone's starting XI for the first time in eight months against Aberdeen - two years since the 29-year-old was forced to pull out a game at Pittodrie after being injured in the warm-up. (The Courier, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

• Prior to the international break, St Johnstone recovered more points from losing positions than any side in the Scottish Premiership (5), drawing 1-1 with Falkirk despite conceding first last time out.

• Only bottom side Kilmarnock have had fewer shots (69) than Aberdeen (70) in the Premiership this season, with the Dons' 7.16 xG the lowest of any side.

• Aberdeen have only lost one of their past 14 home league matches against newly-promoted opponents (W7 D6), a 1-0 defeat to Falkirk last season.

• St Johnstone have only won one of their past 10 league meetings with Aberdeen (D4 L5), a 2-0 away victory in February 2024.

• St Johnstone have won one of their past 16 away games in the Premiership (D3 L12), beating St Mirren 1-0 in February 2025.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Are underlying numbers from the start of the Scottish Premiership season suggesting a refreshed approach could be taking hold across the league?

Well, the success stories at Motherwell and Falkirk last season seem to have had an influence.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin was humble enough to reveal that Jens Berthel Askou - now head coach at Toulouse in Ligue 1 - has inspired him to change his ways after more than 15 years as a player and manager in Scotland.

Goodwin's side are one of a number of Premiership teams to have undergone a stylistic shift this term, and that is reflected in the league's overall numbers, albeit the sample size remains small after just seven matches for each club.

Compared with the previous five Scottish top-flight seasons, passes per game have soared to 886. That is an increase of 58 on last term. Five years ago, the average was 795.

Passing accuracy is also at a high of 81%, which is quite a remarkable increase on the 73% recorded in 2023-24.

That is down to more short passing. The percentage of long passes across the league (13%) is now at its lowest level of the past five years. Perhaps surprisingly, Hearts and Rangers go long more than any other teams.

Goodwin's United, meanwhile, have gone from average possession of 42% last term to 50% this season. Their accurate passes per match have rocketed from 219 to 320.

It is a similar story for St Mirren under Craig McLeish and Neil McCann's Kilmarnock, while league leaders Celtic and Alfred Johansson's Motherwell are locked at the top of the possession chart on 61%.

The promotion of St Johnstone back into the league, replacing Livingston, has added another side who aim to play a more expansive brand.

The recent appointment of Dutch head coach Marink Reedijk at Hibernian will only enhance that.

Read more: Why early-season data points to Premiership style shift

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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BBC Sport Scotland has been taking a look at away ticket pricing in Scottish football.

It is an issue which has been tackled at the highest level south of the border, with a £30 away ticket cap having been in operation in the Premier League for a decade.

Is anything similar on the agenda north of the border?

While it doesn't appear to be at the moment, we have been canvassing the thoughts of fans across the Premiership.

A solo adult away fan going to a league game at St Johnstone will pay between £26 - £34 depending on the fixture, with concessions ranging from £5 to £22.

Adult away fans can also buy tickets for the family stand - £25 (category B) or £22 (category C) if they are accompanying a child under 13 (maximum of 2 x u13) who can attend for free.

There are further concessions in the family section for seniors (65+) and 13-18 year olds.

St Johnstone fan Sam Miller, of the Dogger Saints podcast, says: "There needs to be a blanket coverage for away tickets across Scotland.

"I think £25 would be a reasonable ask, because aways fans are usually given the worst section of a stadium or huddled into one little corner so they are not getting the same views and experience as everybody else in the stadium.

"I would suggest fans like myself don't understand the finances needed by a club to run it on a day-to-day basis. Maybe if that was made clearer, we would be more understanding of why ticket pricing is what it is."

Read more: Are SPFL away tickets too expensive?

Sam Miller
Fan writer

St Johnstone's trip to Pittodrie on Sunday cannot come soon enough.

​While international football brings its own drama, the three-week hiatus felt completely unnecessary and ill-timed so early in the domestic campaign.

August and September are all about building momentum, establishing squad rhythm and bedding in summer signings.

To freeze the league calendar just as teams are finding their feet kills the natural energy of the season.

A lengthy wait without club football leaves fans stranded without their weekly ritual, staring at an empty schedule right when the competitive fire should be stoking.

​For St Johnstone, breaking up the early momentum disrupts match sharpness. Training sessions cannot replicate the intensity of proper Premiership competition.

​Thankfully, the pause is nearly over. Sunday's trip north provides the perfect opportunity to shake off the rust, grab three crucial points and kickstart the league campaign in earnest.

Sam Miller can be found at Dogger Saints, external

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari stands by his decision to allow Jack Baird to join Raith Rovers despite Zach Mitchell's injury, which ended the 21-year-old's loan from Charlton Athletic, leaving the Perth side short of defensive cover. (Courier - subscription required, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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We asked you to rate St Johnstone's season and tell us what Simo Valakari should be focusing on during the international break.

Here's what some of you said:

Jimmy: We've had a decent start with a good win over Killie. Then a run of tough games, which didn't go our way. I think our weakness is our defence, one player in particular is giving me cause for concern. On the positive side we have shown plenty of fight, and I feel we are punching above our weight. I'll be delighted if we finish in the top six, we have the players to do that.

Nathan: I think we are doing well and have a real chance for the top six. Zach Mitchell being out is a huge blow considering he had a really good partnership with Cheick Diabate. I feel that we are a good possession-based football side and not a typical run and punt type of team. Everything's positive at the club and I also think that we have the best left-back and goalkeeper in the league.

As the extended international break continues, we want to hear your thoughts on St Johnstone's opening seven games in the Scottish Premiership.

The newly-promoted Perth side started with a thrilling win over Kilmarnock and have picked up one further victory, while all of their defeats have been by a single goal.

How do you rate St Johnstone's start to the season and why? And what should Simo Valakari be focusing on during the extended break?

Share your views here

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Zach Mitchell is "gutted" after being ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury and has returned to parent club Charlton Athletic from St Johnstone.

The defender, 21, picked up the injury in this month's 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw with Falkirk.

"Everyone at St Johnstone thanks Zach for his contribution and wishes him all the very best with his recovery," the club said.

Mitchell, who had previous loan spells with St Johnstone and Hibs, made nine appearances this season during his Perth stint.

"I'm gutted not to be able to continue the season after what I feel has been a positive start with so much potential," he said.

"I love playing for St Johnstone and both of my spells at the club have been really incredible experiences that I'll always be grateful for.

"Thank you to everyone who has made me feel part of such a great club, especially the fans for their incredible support and for always making me feel welcome. It's been a pleasure to play for you.

"I'm proud to have been part of St Johnstone again, and I hope our paths cross in the future. Until then, I'll be supporting the boys and wishing everyone at the club all the best for the rest of the season."

On-loan Charlton Athletic centre-back Zach Mitchell is still waiting for more scans on the injury he picked up against Falkirk, but St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari fears the 21-year-old will be sidelined long-term. (The Courier, external)

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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St Johnstone striker Louis Lloyd has joined Championship leaders Stenhousemuir on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 22-year-old Welshman has scored once in 10 outings for the Perth side, making two appearances as a substitute in the Premiership this season.

"He's another important part of the puzzle for us," said Warriors manager Marvin Bartley.

"He can play off the shoulder as a number nine or in a supporting role behind another striker. He offers the movement and pace I want, and he knows where the back of the net is.

"Louis has had a frustrating start to his career in Scotland, but he's determined to kickstart it here. His outstanding scoring record in Wales earned him the move to St Johnstone. Once we get him up to our fitness levels, I know he'll be a valuable asset to the squad."

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari says Unax Alvarez is getting closer to his competitive debut since his summer move from Club Deportivo Guadalajara after the forward endured an injury-hit "nightmare start" to his Perth career. (The Courier - subscription required, external)

Sam Miller
Fan writer

As the league takes a back seat for a few weeks, Saints fans will be paying extra attention to the upcoming internationals.

If you had told a St Johnstone fan 18 months ago that Josh McPake would end up in a senior Scotland squad, you would have been laughed out of McDiarmid Park.

​Back then, McPake's career was in complete freefall. After a endless cycle of loans and being released by Rangers, no one would touch him.

He was floating around training grounds, picking up a short-term deal at Stirling Albion just to keep his eye in. When he finally landed in Perth, he was essentially chucked into the side as a last-gasp throw of the dice when Saints were already as good as relegated.

​Yet, McPake took that bleak situation, rolled up his sleeves and set the Championship ablaze, firing us back up with 19 goals and sweeping the player of the year awards.

​Sure, seeing him earn a move to Hearts stung, and seeing him trade Tynecastle form for a national team call-up under Sebastien Pocognoli feels surreal.

But despite the lingering pain of losing our star man, it is impossible not to be genuinely happy for him. From nobody wanting him to wearing the dark blue of Scotland, fair play, Josh - you've earned it.

Sam Miller can be found at Dogger Saints, external

Sportscene's Steven Thompson and James McFadden review St Johnstone and Falkirk's 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw.

Newly-promoted St Johnstone are sixth in the Scottish Premiership on eight points, while Falkirk are 11th on six points.

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Simo Valakari revealed how unselfish St Johnstone players set Enes Alic up to be their free-kick hero in the 1-1 draw with Falkirk.

The Bosnian left-back scored his first goal for the club in the sixth minute of stoppage time from a 25-yard set-piece.

That sent Saints heading into the international break in sixth place and high spirits following their late escape.

The Perth side played with 10 men after the 54th minute dismissal of Cheick Diabate.

And they trailed to an Ethan Ross goal on the hour but pinched a point with the last kick of the game.

Saints manager Valakari said Ruari Paton and Danny Schmidt were in contention to take the stoppage-time set-piece.

But both players reckoned Alic's left foot was the best route to a leveller after assessment of the chance.

Valakari said: "Everyone wants to be the hero. But I really liked that the boys were talking calmly for that free-kick – about where the wall is, where the goalkeeper is and who it would suit best.

"Unselfishly, Ruari and Danny gave it to Enes. I loved that. They said my team-mate is in a better position to be successful.

"It was a great goal to get us a point. The biggest thing was, as we have seen before, the players showed grittiness, determination and never-say-die spirit.

"We fought to the end again. Our opponents made life difficult for us but we deserved this point."

Diabate was sent off for two bookable fouls on Falkirk scorer Ross.

Home fans appeared to feel referee Calum Scott gave too many decisions against their side.

And Valakari reckons that sense of grievance from the stands may have helped rally his players.

"For the referee it wasn't the easiest game," he said. "There were a lot of incidents towards the end that our supporters and players weren't happy about and that definitely helped us.

"Our fans were fantastic, pushing our players forward and putting pressure on the referee. That, 100%, helped us."

St Johnstone leave it late to equaliser against Falkirk in a 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw (UK only).

St Johnstone fans, we asked for your opinions on the late 1-1 draw with Falkirk. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Mike: It wasn't a great game of football but the referee did his very best to ruin it further. Absolutely no consistency when it came to bookable offences, with the Falkirk players immune to punishment. Alic's free kick was a peach and the least we deserved.

Brogan: I don't understand how a team that commits 18 fouls and a player commits eight fouls by himself gets zero yellow cards. Yet, Chieck Diabate gets sent off for the only two fouls he commits. Awful refereeing. Falkirk, darling boys, getting the rub of the green again.

Roy: One of the dullest first 45 minutes I've seen in a while. Well worked goal from Falkirk but what a strike from Enes Alic - he is the find of the season. Top half of the table looks good, but all bunching up and it's going to be a tight season from third to 12th.

Kevin: The players took a while to get used to the windy conditions, a problem a lot of them haven't faced before, resulting in a lot of misplaced crosses and passing. This was not helped at all by some unbelievable refereeing decisions which seemed to produce cards for just Saints, resulting in the red card for a shirt tug, which somehow was worse than all the others that happened.

Falkirk tried their best to steal the game with a marvellous show of gamesmanship but this Saints side don't lay down arms easily and the last kick of the game by Alic showed the quality this team are building.

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Head coach Simo Valakari said of St Johnstone's late goal: "It was a moment in which we showed quality, and we needed it. It was not the prettiest game, for many reasons, but we fought through it.

"It tells you how tight this league is. There was nothing between the teams. With the red card, we put everything into it and I was very pleased.

"I enjoyed how we played in the last 20 minutes, there was a never-say-die attitude and we just pushed and pushed.

"It's a big show of character.

"We have a big queue to take the free-kicks and Ruari Paton is one of the best to take them. That shows how unselfish our team is. The boys saw in that moment it was clearly better for a left-footer to take it.

"I have never doubted our spirit. Sometimes we don't play well, there are things we have to improve, but the attitude is always there."

Ten-man St Johnstone produced a stunning late comeback to rescue a Scottish Premiership point and deflate Falkirk at McDiarmid Park.

Read the match report here

Have your say on the match here

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Jamie Gullan and Zach Mitchell are back for St Johnstone, while Bozo Mikulic remains a doubt.

Falkirk boss John McGlynn has no new injuries for the trip to Perth.

Conor McLeod has resumed training after recovering from a knee injury but the games comes too soon.

Joe Gardner (thigh) and Aidan Nesbitt, Finn Yeats (both ankle) remain out.