ST JOHNSTONE manager Tommy Wright described as a “smashing lad” Matt Butcher – as the Cherries midfielder impressed before the coronavirus pandemic.

Butcher, who has been plagued with hip and knee problems in recent seasons, penned a loan deal to join the Scottish Premiership side until the end of the season.

He made seven appearances for the Perthshire outfit before the game was halted due to COVID-19.

“Everybody could see how good a player Matt Butcher was,” said Wright.

“He is a player I was aware of but one who hadn’t played a lot of football. My only concern was his fitness. His match fitness was a bit short when he first went into the team.

“But he worked extremely hard.

“He is certainly someone, if at all possible, you would like to keep. He brought quality, composure and is two-footed. He has physical attributes and complimented the midfield well, playing in either a two or three.”

The manager added: “The thing about him is that he is an absolutely smashing lad.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him in terms of how he conducted himself and mixed with the players.

“He came from a Premier League club but there were no airs and graces about him. He was just a great lad to work with.”