Steve Lomas: Underdog tag suits St Johnstone perfectly going into Europe

Steve Lomas believes his side’s tag as underdogs will continue to stand them in good stead going into their Europa League tie with Eskisehirspor.

St Johnstone go to Turkey knowing they will find the going tough against Ersun Yanal’s side, with key men Dave Mackay and Gregory Tade having been ruled out of the trip.

The Saints though have a recent track record of picking up unexpected results, having won at Celtic Park and drawn at Ibrox last season.

“We like the underdog title, we relish that,” Lomas told STV. “St Johnstone normally are the underdogs so it's something that's not unsurprising for us.

“We are going to enjoy the occasion. It's great for the fans. We've got 130 travelling and might have 250 over there. It's great for the club we are in Europe and it's not just a normal pre-season. We've got something to go out and play for.

“It's the first time in 15 years so, like I say, we are going to enjoy it. The team are going to go there and give it their best shot. We know it's going to be difficult. We know the calibre of team we are playing against. Their budget is 15 times more than ours. The heat will play a factor. But our boys are quietly confident.

“It is not uncommon to the lads they are going away as the underdogs. If you are to get results away at Celtic and Rangers, and come to these foreign shores, you've got to be defensively disciplined, you've got to take your chances and you've got to have a little bit of luck.”

St Johnstone have been tipped by Celtic captain Scott Brown to challenge them for the title this season, in the absence of Rangers from the top flight.

Lomas though says he believes he needs further additions to his squad before they can push at least for finishing second.

He said: “We still feel that we need four or five players. The chairman is working hard and I trust him that he can get them.

“But obviously with the Rangers scenario, everyone has got to take stock. Budgets have got to be looked at and there is still a little uncertainty about Sky. I would like to think that they are going to support Scottish football in their time of need.

“If I can bring in four or five more players, maybe then second place is up for grabs.”

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