Former St Johnstone midfielder Kyle McClean believes Eetu Vertainen has “all the ability in the world” and that he is starting to show his potential.
Finnish forward Vertainen joined Saints in September of last year but struggled for a consistent run of games under manager Callum Davidson.
He was loaned to Linfield in February before being sent back to the Belfast-based club in the summer, this time on a season-long loan. His Perth contract runs through until May 2023.
McClean, a regular with Linfield, has been especially impressed with Vertainen in the past couple of weeks.
“He has been good, especially recently,” McClean said. "Last Tuesday night we played Glentoran and it was the best game I’ve seen him play, to be honest. He was very good.
“He is getting a run of games now and is starting to show his real potential. He is a great footballer and is starting to show that more and more. Fingers crossed he does the business for us in the back end of the season.”
McClean added: “I think when he was at Saints he came in a bit late and didn’t get the opportunities he wanted.
“I don’t know what his contract situation is but it wouldn’t surprise me if he goes back and plays at that level again because he has all the ability in the world.
“He has a lot about him and just needs that bit of confidence, match fitness and structure of playing every week. Now I think he is getting that and, as I say, he has all the ability in the world.
“He is a good character too. He is quiet and goes about his business. There is never any hassle with him.
“I don’t see why it couldn’t work out for him in the future.”
McClean and Vertainen were back in Scotland on Saturday for a Challenge Cup fourth round tie against Kelty Hearts at New Central Park, which they lost on penalties.
It was familiar surroundings for McClean, who used to play games for Saints’ Under-20s at the same venue.
“It brought some memories back,” he said.
“I was young when I went to St Johnstone and was grateful for the opportunity.
“Unfortunately things didn’t work out how I wanted and I didn’t play as much as I wanted to.
“But I still enjoyed my time there and managed to get a few appearances and games under my belt.”
McClean continues to keep in touch with a number of his former McDiarmid Park team-mates.
“Myself and Ali McCann were coming through at the same time,” he said. “We played in the U20s together.
“I’m still close to Ali and fair play to him because he has gone onto great things. He is doing really well at Preston.
“I was close with big Liam Gordon, Ali and Callum Hendry too. I keep in touch with a few of the boys still.
“Liam took me under his wing. He is the club captain now and that shows that his hard work paid off.
“And Liam Craig actually dropped me a text before the game on Saturday. He was at the game.
“It is no surprise he is now a coach at the club. He was always into his coaching and studying the game.
“He was another who was very good with me when I was only 18 and going into the first team.
“He looked after me and really tried to encourage me. He properly loves football.”
