SAINTS NEGOTIATING WITH ROBERTSON

Last updated : 16 December 2003 By Richard Jones

PERTHSHIRE PICTURE AGENCY
Saints are in negotiations with Mark Robertson about sealing a permanent deal. Allegedly his wage at Dundee was just shy of £2000 per week, so will be forced to take a significant pay cut to fit into the Saints wage structure. The ex Australian internationalist could still be fielded as a trialist for three games, but the player has become an essential cog in the Saints engine room, and back to back draws have been the comeuppance of his absence due to injury. Stark is confident of Robertson making the line up on Saturday:

"Mark is feeling better now after his injury and if he were in full training by the middle of the week it isn’t out of the question that he might be involved against Queen of the South on Saturday but we’ll need to talk to him to see what he is planning to do."

Paul Lovering and Jim Weir featured in a 2-0 closed door game against Aidrie:

"That’s Paul and Jim got four games under their belts now. But while Paul isn’t far away from being ready for a first-team return, Jim will likely need another four matches before he could be considered."

The latest on Mark Reilly is that he should return to training in 7-10 days.

Stark is aware of the concerns being lodged of Saints sacrificing four points in the last two games;

"Because we didn't win at the weekend we've left ourselves open to criticism. We have to take heed of the warning and be strong enough to handle it. But we've only lost once in 11 games and that tells you about the mettle of the players here."