IT may have taken Guy Melamed longer than he had planned to settle in at St Johnstone, but now the Israeli striker is firing on all cylinders.
The 28-year-old struggled to make an impact when he arrived at McDiarmid Park in the summer and trust issues were raised by Saints manager Callum Davidson.
But after netting two goals, claiming three assists and forming an impressive strike partnership with Chris Kane in his last three starts, Davidson has now said that Melamed is like a new signing.
“It has been difficult for me but I feel comfortable with the team now, much better than when I first arrived,” Melamed told Herald and Times Sport.
“It took me some time to adapt to Scottish football and it has been difficult to be away from home in these times.
“It is much faster and more physical than in Israel. The referees don’t give as many fouls. But I have got used to it now. I am happy that I have made the switch.
“I want to play as many games as possible now and succeed with St Johnstone.”
Saints face the tough prospect of taking on Rangers at Ibrox tomorrow as they look to build on their stunning comeback victory over Kilmarnock at the weekend.
Melamed was not involved as the Perth outfit picked up a precious point against Celtic in December, but now the frontman is eager to make an impact against Steven Gerrard’s league leaders.
He continued: “I just focus on the next game, which is a huge one against Rangers. They are a top team. But we are confident because of our good run of form.
“The win against Kilmarnock was the sweetest of the whole season, it was very special. We showed our character to come back from being 2-0 down at half-time.
“We believed we could win when the gaffer spoke to us. We were still very positive. It was very good for our supporters who watched it. It must have been perfect for the fans.
“For me it is good to have scored goals and have three assists. They are also important to the team. The other strikers are all hard workers. And I have a good relationship with them.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t play against Celtic in Glasgow but I am excited about facing Rangers in their big stadium.
“It’s just a pity there will be no fans inside. It will be difficult. I know Rangers are unbeaten at their stadium.
“But someone needs to do it. And we have good momentum. We need the points. But the pressure is on Rangers because they want to win the title.”
Matches involving Celtic and Hibernian have been the television choice for those from Melamed’s homeland with Nir Bitton and Ofir Marciano both involved with the Israeli national team.
But with Melamed starting to make his mark on the Scottish Premiership, the striker hopes some of his countrymen can start supporting St Johnstone.
He added: “Television at home shows Celtic and Hibs games because they have Israeli players. They are excited by footballers who are abroad.
“I think they want to show St Johnstone games on the channels now! I haven’t had a chance to see Scotland and a beautiful city like Edinburgh, apart from looking out the window going to away games.
“So I have had to be strong in the head, with a good mentality because of the Covid. I hope the vaccines come quickly now and the pandemic is behind us all.”
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