Defender James Brown says his return to St Johnstone from Millwall hasn’t been to play second-fiddle to the Scottish Premiership side’s fellow right-back, Shaun Rooney.
Brown was on loan in Perth from Millwall last season, joining a St Johnstone squad which won a historic League Cup and Scottish Cup double. The 23-year-old signed a permanent deal this summer and was a surprise starter in some people’s eyes as St Johnstone hosted Galatasaray in the Europa League last week.
Brown returned from Millwall this summer. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Facing Austrian side LASK over the next fortnight for a place in the Europa Conference League group stages, Brown says he wants to be a regular: “I had a good pre-season and I haven’t come back to be second-choice. I don’t want to be second-choice anywhere but every team needs at least two good players in each position.
“It’s always good to have two choices. In the changing room, we know what we have got. You don’t finish in the Premiership’s top six and win two cups if you haven’t got anything about you. We have relished this (the European run). It’s memories that’ll last forever.”
Saints progressed to the Premier Sports Cup last eight on Sunday with a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Arbroath after a 2-2 draw. Manager Callum Davidson said: “It was really difficult for us. It was a difficult place to play but full credit to my players as they never gave up despite Arbroath being in front twice during the game.
“I told the players at half-time to find a way to win the game and they did that so I am pleased with that. Cup competitions are important to us as a club and we are delighted to get through to the next round. We battled and could have done things a bit better but full credit to Arbroath as they made us work hard for that.”
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