BRECHIN BUILDUP

SAINTS make their first trip of the season to Glebe Park tomorrow. The midfield engine room will be depleted due to the suspension of Bernard whom was sent off last Saturday. His absence will force Saints into a more offensive line up, with Stark to consider moving Donnelly inside and possibly give Parker a start, or go with the inexperienced Martin Fotheringham. Of some concern is that Donnelly’s knee continues to trouble him, and he only trained on Friday this week. John Robertson has been reported to be over his stomach upset and could start on Sunday.

Ian Maxwell is on top form now, has trained following a hip strain and is ready for Sunday:

"There’s no way we’ll treat Brechin lightly. They’re coming off a good home win, then an away draw against St Mirren last week. They’re organised and they work hard. The league’s that tight and it wouldn’t take many results for Brechin to get themselves into the pack. They’ll be reasonably confident and they have some ex-Saints in Marc McCulloch, Marc Millar and Charlie King who’ll be up for this game."

Billy Stark remains realistic of the potential banana skin tomorrow:

"Any time you go to Glebe Park you’re in for a difficult game and I don’t think their league position is a true reflection of their form. There are a lot of games they could have won, but defended poorly and lost a bad goal. After the two games we played against them earlier in the season we don’t need any reminding of how difficult they will be to overcome. We’re playing really well, though, and we pose a goal threat. I think we’re second top goalscorers and that was the big thing that needed to be addressed this year."