St Johnstone suffer blow after Gregory Tade ruled out of European tie

Steve Lomas says Gregory Tade's absence is 'a significant blow' to his side's hopes.SNS Group

St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas has confirmed striker Gregory Tade will miss the first leg of the club’s Europa League qualifying tie against Eskişehirspor.

The summer signing suffered a hamstring injury in training on Friday and missed the weekend’s friendly win over Partick Thistle as a precaution.

Saints had hoped the problem would clear up ahead of Thursday’s game in Turkey but manager Lomas says the 25-year-old will now remain in Scotland for treatment.

The Northern Irishman told the club’s official website: “It’s a significant blow but we will just need to get on with it. Greg had been showing up well in training.”

Tade featured in a pre-season match against East Fife earlier this month after leaving Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The Frenchman scored nine goals in 40 appearances for the Highlanders before being lured to Perth by the prospect of playing European football.

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