Melker Hallberg enjoyed Tannadice performance of St Johnstone midfield partner Ryan McGowan

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Melker Hallberg smiled he didn’t expect to be playing beside Ryan McGowan in the centre of the park this season.But the St Johnstone pair dove-tailed efficiently on Saturday afternoon to win the tussle of Tayside and capture an important three points against Dundee United.McGowan has been drafted into a more advanced role due to injuries and unavailability but has impressed with powerful running and his ability to break up play.“If I’m being honest, maybe I didn’t think that he would be playing next to me in the middle of the pitch,” smiled Hallberg, who netted the second in a well-earned 2-1 win.“But he’s been very good there in the last two games.

He’s done the dirty work and has shown his quality on the ball as well. He’s got so much experience, which helps the team a lot.”Hallberg’s sweeping first half finish had followed on from super Stevie May’s precise opener.“It was great to get my first goal in the league this season,” he said.“It was something we’d been working on all week.

To see that work pay off at the end of a good move was perfect.“The Dundee United win was a massive one for us. It’s keeps the momentum we have built up going.“I think we did a really good job – especially in the first half.

It was well deserved."The Swede believes Saints have found the missing piece of the jigsaw in recruiting Nicky Clark, who has worked nicely with May in the forward department.“The role I’ve got now suits me perfectly,” Hallberg added.“I can drop deep and build the play from there.