St Johnstone boss Craig Levein eager to bring in defensive reinforcements

Craig Levein remains hopeful of bolstering his St Johnstone squad with at least one new face.

The Perth side, who have been linked with former Motherwell and St Mirren defender Charles Dunne, are particularly keen to add a new centre-back.

Saturday’s opponents Hibernian dipped into the free-agent market this week to sign striker Dwight Gayle and Saints intend to do likewise.

“Yes, I would like to bring another one or two perhaps in, but we’ll see how that goes,” manager Levein said on Friday. “There are players out of contract floating about out there and there are probably a few teams looking for frees, and we’re no different.”

Saints are missing Sam McClelland due to a long-term Achilles injury and the suspension of Jack Sanders this weekend has highlighted the shortage of centre-backs available to Levein.

Asked about the link to Dunne, Levein said: “He’s one of a number of centre-backs who are still on the market, but we’re looking at a number of different things at the moment.

“Obviously Sam being out for most of the season is a big blow for us and with the likes of Jack missing out this weekend, we’re looking quite low, quite bare in that position, so I think we still need to strengthen there.”

Levein oversaw victory in two of his three meetings with Hibs last season, including a 2-1 win at Easter Road in April.

However, the former Hearts boss is braced for a tough test against David Gray’s side in Edinburgh this weekend, even though Saints are currently above their opponents in the fledgling William Hill Premiership table.

“It’s a challenge when you’re playing teams who have got a lot more resource than we have,” he said. “Our lads are in good form. Some of our results haven’t reflected the performances and I hope we can get back to getting our just rewards for our good play.

“Hibs are a good side with lots of attacking threat. We’ll have to be really good to get the points.”