Thomas is wanted

25 Sep 1997

St Johnstone are still keen to sign Hearts out-of-contract striker Kevin Thomas.

The Perth club had a bid for the former Scotland under-21 striker turned down last season.

Perth manager Paul Sturrock watched the forward during Hearts' reserve team game against Dundee United on Tuesday night, and now he is set to revive his interest in the player, who has been signing monthly deals at Tynecastle.

A Saints insider said: ''Paul was at the match having a look at Kevin.

He was also looking at Stephen Frail, Gary Locke, and Dave Bowman because he's looking to bring in a ball winner.'' Jim Jefferies, the Hearts manager, so far has heard little from St Johnstone.

''I knew they were interested in Kevin Thomas a while ago.

I think it even got to the stage of them making an offer last year.

''He's been involved a couple of times as a substitute this year, but it's just not worked out.

We offered him a two-year contract, but he's looking to move on.'' Thomas is free to move to a continental club under the Bosman ruling, but Hearts want a fee from a Scottish club.

''We're not asking for a lot of money, when you consider he's an under-21 internationalist.

In fact, he's a bargain at that price,'' said Jefferies.

The Hearts manager said any bids for Frail or Locke would be dismissed, as they are not for sale.

Meanwhile, Saints winger Leigh Jenkinson made his comeback from injury yesterday by playing 45 minutes against Rangers reserves.

ABERDEEN have been handed plenty of tickets for next month's Coca-Cola Cup semi-final tie against Dundee United. Scottish League officials have finalised allocation details for the October 15 match at Tynecastle. Dons fans will be housed in the new Gorgie Stand and Wheatfield Stand, which amounts to more than 9000 tickets, while United will receive 6300 briefs.'' Ticket details for Celtic's tie with Dunfermline on Tuesday at Ibrox on October 14 have the Fife club receiving 7500 tickets, while Celtic will be given the remaining 43,000 briefs.

Taken from the Herald