CALLUM DAVIDSON has hailed Michael O’Halloran after the attacker starred in St Johnstone’s friendly against Preston North End on Tuesday night.
The McDiarmid Park cup double winning hero looked sharp in possession and caused the English Championship side problems with his impressive turn of speed.
It was also noticeable that O’Halloran had bulked up over the summer and Davidson believes the extra muscle could help his game moving into the new season.
He explained: “He came out of lockdown last year looking pretty slim. He is one of these people who looks after themselves so well and he slimmed down.
“We believed he is actually better when he is a little stronger with a little more muscle up top. I thought he was excellent against Preston. His energy levels and he was willing to always make the right runs. I was delighted with his performance.
“Michael does his own programme. He is that type of person. He will train on his own and is always desperate to do well. You maybe don’t see that behind the scenes.
“He always does his gym work really well and he always eats the right food, he weighs his food etc. That is the type of person he is and if he continues playing like he did against Preston that is good for us.”
Saints drew 1-1 with Preston after David Wotherspoon cancelled out a Ben Whiteman strike and the Perth outfit now head to Aberdeen on Friday for a behind closed doors clash.
Davidson was delighted with his team’s showing as well as their fitness levels over the course of the 90 minutes.
He added: “Michael just has to make sure he stays at that level and his confidence stays up. I am delighted. I could name a few. I thought Michael was one of them. I thought Stevie May’s work rate and link up was excellent.
“For it to be this time of the season and I am able to say that about a few of my players, it is all credit to them and how they look after themselves.
“I said to Frankie McAvoy after the game that when you come to Scotland you never get a game where you are able to sit back and play. You are going to get a game with an edge and he knew that when he came up the road.
“There was a few meaty challenges from the Preston boys, but it was a great pre-season game to have."
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