Derek McInnes talks to Brentford but keeping quiet for now

Published on Monday 9 May 2011 20:45

ST JOHNSTONE manager Derek McInnes has confirmed he has spoken to Brentford but refused to discuss a possible move to the npower League One side.

The west London club parted company with manager Andy Scott in February, with striker Nicky Forster taking charge on a caretaker basis.

Although Saints chairman Geoff Brown does not believe it is the right move for the former Rangers and Dundee United midfielder, Brentford are set to offer the appropriate compensation to get their man.

"I can confirm that I have spoken to Brentford," McInnes said. "But that's all I am going to say about the matter at the moment."

McInnes, 39, has been in charge at McDiarmid Park since 2007 and has been linked in the past with vacant managerial posts at Watford and former club West Brom.

Brentford finished 11th in League One this season but the Saints manager would have a far bigger budget to work with than at McDiarmid Park should he make the move.

McInnes, meanwhile, could consign Hamilton or St Mirren to the Irn-Bru First Division this week but the St Johnstone manager is simply glad his side are not involved in the relegation battle.

Bottom side Accies are three points behind St Mirren - and eight goals worse off - with two games remaining, the first of which is a trip to McDiarmid Park tonight.

There are several possible permutations but if St Johnstone win then regardless of how St Mirren fare at Aberdeen, Billy Reid's side are effectively down.

If it goes to the final day then the Perth club could send St Mirren down on Saturday when they travel to Paisley.

"I don't see it as chance to relegate a team, that's not the way I look at it, I just see it a game for us to win," said McInnes. "If a team goes down it's because of what has happened over the season, not on one game."

Danny Grainger could be available for St Johnstone tonight after missing the win over Aberdeen at the weekend with a groin injury. Midfielder Murray Davidson was taken off against the Dons with a hip injury and is a doubt.

Hamilton midfielder Jon Routledge could be in the visitors' squad after returning to training following a knee injury.

Skipper Alex Neil is back after serving a one-match suspension during Saturday's win over Hibernian. Defender Martin Canning remains on the sidelines with a stomach injury.