CALLUM DAVIDSON has revealed that he is hopeful of tying down St Johnstone trio Chris Kane, Liam Craig and Callum Booth on extended contracts. 

All three players penned short six month deals in May before Davidson was appointed as Tommy Wright’s McDiarmid Park successor. 

But the recently appointed Perth boss has been impressed by what he has seen from all three players and ahead of tonight’s Betfred Cup clash against Dundee United he has confirmed that negotiations are underway. 

“We are definitely looking to extend their deals and that is ongoing despite the Covid situation,” Davidson told Herald and Times Sport. 

“It is something we have been speaking about and hopefully we can get things tied-up pretty soon for the three of them.” 

Kane came off the bench on Friday night as Saints defeated Kilmarnock and the 26-year-old showed some nice touches as he helped his team to an important victory.  

“I thought he was fantastic. It is great for me to see,” said Davidson. “Chris is at that stage where he missed the first 6-8 weeks to injury and it is good to see him getting up to speed. 

“He works unbelievably hard in training and for me now I just want him to add goals. If he can perform like that he is going to put pressure on the strikers. 

“If he starts banging the goals in then it will be one of those where I can’t not play him. It is up to him when he gets his opportunity to start a game, can he do that?” 

Saints welcome Dundee United to McDiarmid Park tonight in the only all Premiership Betfred Cup tie of the group stages. 

The two sides have already met twice this season, with both encounters ending in draws, but Davidson is expecting a more open game this time round. 

He said: “It is really important for us to get the victory on Tuesday night and hopefully we can try qualify for the next stage. 

“You look at it, I think it is the only Premiership tie. It is a little bit unfortunate for the two of us to draw each other, but again I think it is going to be a tough game. 

“They obviously need to win the game to qualify so I think it will probably be more of an attacking game than the last home game.  

“I think the last five games have been great, there is a momentum building. I think the players are well aware of it. These are important games, obviously the league is important to us and the Betfred Cup is that little distraction. 

“It is a good distraction especially when you are winning games and I think it is really important to breed that winning mentality and find that way to win games of football. 

“It is going to be a tough game but it is enjoyable getting two of them in a row. It is quite unusual, but it is quite nice as well because you can focus your mind towards it.” 

St Johnstone will be without Ali McCann and Danny McNamara for the United game due to both being away on international duty. 

The duo have been key performers for the Perth outfit this season, but Davidson is confident that he has strength in depth in his ranks. 

He continued: “They are all fit and unfortunately we miss Ali McCann and Danny McNamara for this week. 

“It is a blow to us because again I thought Ali was excellent on Friday night. 

“Guy [Melamed] is getting closer now and looking sharper every day in training. He will be involved in the next two games.” 

On the flip side Dundee United will be without Lawrence Shankland, but Davidson is still expecting Micky Mellon to put out a strong side. 

He added: “Shankland is a good goalscorer, but they obviously have other players in their ranks. 

“McNulty, Clark and Pawlett. They are not short of players when Shankland doesn’t play.”