McCann praises Valakari ahead of league opener

Kilmarnock gaffer Neil McCann admitted he has been impressed by the work Simo Valakari has done at St Johnstone, as the two sides prepare to meet in the league’s opening weekend.

The Finn brought St Johnstone straight back up from the Championship at the first time of asking last season, although they exited the Premier Sports Cup at the group stage.

“Simo has done really well with the group,” McCann said. “It’s not easy when you get relegated, but he stayed with the process.

“He’s got a really distinctive way of playing. He stuck to it and it’s brave. He earned a lot of plaudits last year and earned promotion back to the Premiership.”

Kilmarnock travel to Perth on Sunday in a 2pm kick-off, looking to get off to a good start after their 10th-placed finish last season.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game,” McCann admitted. They will be really disappointed they didn’t come through in the Cup.

“That will be a tough one for Simo to take but I’m pretty sure the long game for them is about consolidating their position in the Premiership and getting over the hit of missing out on the League Cup and trying to have a strong season.”