Murray Davidson: 'It’s a big honour to captain St Johnstone in Europe'

Stand-in St Johnstone captain Murray Davidson has spoken of his pride at being handed the armband for the first leg of the club’s Europa League qualifying tie against Eskisehirspor.

The 24-year-old will fill in for Dave Mackay who had already been ruled out of the game through injury.

Davidson, who moved to McDiarmid Park in June 2009, has made 111 appearances for the club scoring 12 goals.

Saints play the first leg on Thursday before welcoming the Turkish club to Scotland on July 26.

The former Livingston player told STV: “Yeah it was a bit of a surprise when I was told I was vice captain and obviously with Dave Mackay [club captain] not making it, it is a big honour.

“It’s a new experience, I was at Livingston when they were in Europe but I was just a young lad so I wasn’t really involved so this is my first taste and I’m looking forward to heading out there and getting in amongst it.

“We’ve got a very experienced squad and everyone knows what to do, it won’t take much from me.”

While targeting a successful season in the SPL, Saints boss Steve Lomas believes his team can take credit from their away performances at both Celtic Park and Ibrox last term.

Davidson is reluctant to say the club can claim second place this season but is relishing having important games so early in the campaign.

He added: “I’m not one for setting targets personally but with Rangers going out the league it opens everything up and if you get off to a good start you never know what can happen.

“We’ve got two European games and then you’re into the league and it is all go at the moment.”

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