Steve Lomas: QPR loan still leaves squad short

By GAVIN MCCAFFERTY
Published on 30/01/2013 00:06

ST JOHNSTONE manager Steve Lomas has warned that the club are taking a “huge gamble” with the size of their squad, despite agreeing a deal to sign QPR midfielder Michael Doughty on loan.

The 20-year-old arrived in Scotland yesterday morning and could feature against Aberdeen in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League tonight. Wales under-19 international Doughty, who has made one first-team appearance for QPR comes in after on-loan winger Peter Pawlett was recalled by the Dons.

Murray Davidson is a doubt with an ankle injury, while defenders Gary Miller (ankle) and Steven Anderson (knee) remain out. Lomas recently released striker Craig Beattie and would like to add to his squad before tomorrow’s deadline but knows that is unlikely.

Lomas said: “Michael’s a very silky midfielder who is good on the ball and can play in various positions across the middle.

“We are very thin on the ground. We have lost Gary Miller for eight weeks. Steven Anderson is still getting back from his cartilage operation.”

Asked if he would like to bring in another player, Lomas said: “It is down to the chairman and [associate director] Roddy Grant. I have let them know what my feelings are. We are taking a huge gamble in the second half of the season with the number of players we have got.

“I understand there are more cuts needed in the budget but I do think we are taking a very, very big gamble. We have probably got the smallest squad in the SPL.”

Saints can leapfrog Aberdeen tonight and boost their hopes of securing a top-six place in the SPL. Lomas said: “It’s an added incentive but we just have to keep winning games.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jason Brown has left Aberdeen with immediate effect. The Wales international made 28 appearances after arriving from Blackburn 18 months ago, but has been unable to displace Jamie Langfield his season.

Pittodrie chief executive Duncan Fraser told the club website: “Jason made it clear to us he was keen to return to England and continue his career.

“He is a proud member of the Welsh international team and, in order to maintain his place in the squad, he feels it is vital for him to be playing every week.”