St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright hospitalised

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright was rushed to hospital to Monday. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The popular 50-year-old underwent tests after suffering severe stomach pains and it has emerged that Wright will have gall bladder surgery today.

The Northern Irishman, who stepped into the McDiarmid Park managerial post after the departure of Steve Lomas to Millwall last summer, will now miss Saturday’s home clash against the Perth side’s rivals for a top-six place, Hibernian.

Wright was taken ill on Monday and subsequently advised to seek attention at the Perth hospital. Saints football administrator Paul Smith explained: “Tommy was taken to hospitalon Tuesday suffering from stomach pains and detained overnight for observation. He will undergo surgery and the medical staff have been continuing to monitor him. Obviously, everyone at the club wishes him well and a speedy recovery.”

Wright’s assistant manager Callum Davidson and coach Alex Cleland will prepare the Saints players to face Hibs.