AARON COMRIE PREPARES FOR U20's OPENER AT PARTICK THISTLE

With the start of the under 20's season just around the corner, right-back Aaron Comrie spoke to the Saints website ahead of next week's league opener against Partick Thistle.

“Pre-season has gone well so far, I've been away with the first team in Ireland for five days so that was a really good experience.

“I was also away in Armenia for the European game with the first team so I'm really happy about that and it was good to get away.”

Aaron, who spent 8 years at Celtic's youth academy, was one of a number of promising youngsters to feature in the first team squad's pre season camp in Northern Ireland. The camp included two matches, a 2-1 win over Linfield and a 1-1 draw with Glenavon.

“I played well in the Glenavon game, and I also played in the Linfield game so all-round I got 60 minutes of playing time over there.

“Playing in Ireland was my first taste of first playing with the first team and I think I did well.

“It was nice to get away with the first team. It was the first time I had been away with Saints and it was good to gel with all the boys over there.

“I think going away and getting to know the boys a little more helps make it easier for whenever I am up with the first team. But they're a great bunch of boys and I'm glad I got the chance to play with them over there.”

The SPFL Development (U20's) League begins with an away match at Firhill on Tuesday 4th August.

“I can't wait for the start of the season. The first game we play is away to Partick, which will be tough, but I think that all the boys are looking forward to it.”

“As I said, I've had a good start to the season and I'm hoping that I can kick on from here, do well for the 20's and then see what happens after that.”

Last season the St. Johnstone development side finished in 9th place, in a 17 team league, and Aaron believes the team can achieve a higher placing this year.

“The boys have been talking in the changing room and we're hoping that we can replicate the first team and go for top 6.”

But Aaron, who has been handed a first-team squad number (#39), hopes strong performances for the U20's will catch the eye of first-team manager Tommy Wright.

“Personally, I just hope that I can get into the first team as much as possible, even if I get on the bench. It will be brilliant if I could achieve that.

“But for now, I'll just see how it goes with the under 20's and then hopefully kick on from there.”

interview by Kerr Hall