GRAHAM Cummins, the St Johnstone striker, is dreaming for a Europa League homecoming against Cork City this summer and feels the Perth side are better equipped to make a run in the competition than they last entered it two years ago. The 28-year-old Irishman, who joined the Perth side shortly before they went out on away goals to Armenian side Alashkert, hails from Cork and his father still watches them home and away.
“I would love us to get Cork, that would be the dream draw for me," said Cummins, after the club's final league game of the season against Rangers. “I’m not saying that because it would be easy, it wouldn’t be - because they’re flying in the league right now. But I’d love to get them so I could go back home with St Johnstone and play them in a competitive game.
“I’ve had a look at the fixtures and they’re away from home at Dundalk when I’m back at the start of next month," he added. "But my dad goes to see them home and away, so if we do draw them then he’ll be able to fill us in about who’s playing well. If it happens and the gaffer wants to pay me a few quid extra then I’ll happily go home and scout for him!"
This was St Johnstone's third successive fourth placed finish under Tommy Wright and Cummins feels the team now have the maturity to make an impact in the European game.
“We were favourites going into the Alashkert game but look what happened there," said Cummins. “That was a bit of an eye-opener for me because I hadn’t played at this level before and it was a step up. I thought they were a really good side, especially across there, and it showed us the level we have to be at to compete with teams from across Europe.
“But I think we’re a better team now than we were then. That day we had a few new players but we have a more settled squad now. We have finished fourth in a tough league this season, a league that was stronger this year. We are a tough side to beat, that’s what we do first and foremost, and we’ve had a great season. I don’t think there’s any doubt we’re a better side now than when I first joined two years ago."
St Johnstone might have signed off from another impressive season with a 2-1 defeat against Rangers on Sunday but they were far from outclassed in match where they bossed the early stages and staged a decent late rally which almost got a draw. There is little chance for downtime in their schedule, with only a three-week break before the players pick up their pre-season ahead of their first round Europea League qualifier on June 29. Cummins wouldn't have it any other way.
“We are getting three weeks off and then we’re back in again," he said. “It’s good for me because I think the older you get the more you appreciate things. You want to look back at things like playing in Europe because who remembers getting six weeks off and playing some friendlies? These are the kind of games you want to be involved in and to do that you have to come back early.
“Although the first 40 minutes was probably the best we’ve played against Rangers this season I felt we tired towards the end," he added. "It’s disappointing to lose the final game but I think it has been a fantastic season. We have picked up a record amount of points and are in Europe again so nobody can complain.”
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