Liam Craig turns spotlight away from himself after signing new St Johnstone deal

The midfielder has agreed a six-month contract with the Perth club alongside Chris Kane and Callum Booth

St Johnstone yesterday handed short-term deals to first-team stars Liam Craig, Callum Booth and Chris Kane.

All three players have penned six-month contract extensions as the Perth club formulates a plan amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Promising youngsters Cammy Ballantyne, Olly Hamilton, Jordan Northcott and John Robertson will also be remaining at McDiarmid Park.

Saints are understood to be in talks with a number of players whose current deals are set to run out, including Murray Davidson and Drey Wright.

Craig, who is second in the club’s all-time appearance list, was pleased to be offered a new contract but turned the spotlight away from himself during this uncertain time.

“I’m a lucky one in that I have signed a contract,” said Craig, who is chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association Scotland.

“It’s a big concern the amount of players who aren’t going to be as fortunate moving forward.

“At this time there is always uncertainty for players. Contracts are coming to an end and they are on the lookout for a new club.

“This year, with everything going on, it’s a lot more difficult.

“For players it is more difficult than ever.

“There is still no clear plan when next season is going to start, which makes it even harder.

“There needs to be some guidance as to when the league is going to start so clubs can prepare and look to sign players.

“From a players’ point of view, they just want to know what is happening.

“People need to remember, players aren’t on fortunes. It’s their livelihood and is what pays the bills.

“With my position at the PFA, I’m seeing firsthand just how difficult a time it is for players.

“We’re giving the support and advice we can to help them through this period.

“There have been a lot of calls and none more so this month in terms of players going out of contract.”

Steven Anderson, Danny Swanson, Ross Callachan, David McMillan, Max Johnstone, Shaun Struthers and Euan O’Reilly are all set to leave Saints.

For Anderson, that will bring the curtain down on his remarkable 16-year service and 441 appearances in Perth colours.

Craig said: “I don’t think I have ever told him, but he has been a huge influence on my career.

“He is incredible. From the early days he had the leadership and an experienced head on his shoulders. He demanded, first and foremost, you worked hard.

“He is probably the player I’ve played the most amount of games with.”

Craig knows Anderson still has plenty left in the tank in a playing capacity and insists he will be a huge asset wherever he ends up.

“He’s done it all at St Johnstone and some people don’t see what a top person he is,” added Craig.

“It’s well documented that he is miserable, but I’ve been fortunate to be in his presence when he has smiled!

“I’ve loved playing alongside him and I’ve sat next to him in the dressing room for the last five years.

“When we get back to a wee bit of normality, not having him sitting next to me will be when it really hits home.

“But in terms of the memories and what he has done for the club, that will never be forgotten.”