Hearts face rude awakening - Wright
ByPA Sport
Published 31/07/2015 at 18:07 GMT
Tommy Wright is hoping Hearts get an early indication of how difficult life in the Ladbrokes Premiership might be when St Johnstone travel to Tynecastle on Sunday.
Hearts have to be ready for step up in standard says St Johnstone boss Wright
Image credit: PA Sport
The Gorgie club were runaway winners of the Championship last season, finishing 19 points clear of Edinburgh rivals Hibernian after losing only three matches.
The McDiarmid Park boss believes Robbie Neilson's newly-promoted side have the quality to do well in the top flight, but will not find it as easy this season.
Ahead of the first league game of the season, Wright told the Perth club's YouTube channel: "I am expecting a tough test. They have a really good squad.
"They brought in a lot of good players in the summer - although I know one or two might still be injured - and they are a team that is used to winning.
"They had a really good season last season, they were champions, but they will know that this is a different test this season for them.
"The league they are in now is a lot tougher than the one they were in last year.
"They will know how tough it is and hopefully we can go there and make it difficult for them."
The Northern Irishman is pleased with his side's last-minute preparations ahead of a new campaign.
Simon Lappin and Frazer Wright have recovered from pre-season knocks, while Liam Craig comes in after rejoining the club.
However, Liam Caddis drops out after picking up a knock in training and striker Steven MacLean is suspended.
Steven Anderson (broken eye socket), Dave Mackay (hip) and Murray Davidson (knee) are long-term absentees.
"We have had a good week's training," said Wright.
"The good news is Simon Lappin has returned to full training and Frazer is fine.
"Liam Caddis, unfortunately, got a little bit of a knock and he will miss out.
"MacLean will be suspended and there are still some long term (injured) but it has been a good week so far."
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