Stevie May believes extended break benefited St Johnstone

St Johnstone striker Stevie May is optimistic their extended break can help them get off the bottom of the cinch Premiership.

Saints have had two free weekends because of the international break and Storm Babet and continue their search for a first league win of the season when they take on St Mirren on Saturday.

Manager Steven MacLean has the likes of Dare Olufunwa, Chris Kane, Nicky Clark and DJ Jaiyesimi pushing for selection in Paisley following fitness issues.

May said: “We have trained hard and a lot of people are coming back from injury and been getting fitness back so the break has probably benefited us more than some other teams.

“It has given the manager the chance to work on some stuff and get a couple of weeks’ hard training in.

“I think it will have been good for us in the long run. We have a lot more selection options now.”

Saints have only scored three goals in their eight Premiership games but they have managed to pick up four points and are unbeaten in two matches.

“We are on a better run than what we were on,” May said. “We still need to pick up wins which is the goal because it’s all good playing some good football and getting the odd draw but if you don’t win games you are going to have a tough task.

“We have been here before though and with performances improving and so much football to be played, we are confident we have the ability to not just catch one team but a few.”