KEEP CALM & VALAKARI ON

New boss still watching from stand but Kirk says it Saint an obstacle

- FRASER MACKIE

ANDY KIRK insists Simo Valakari's dugout delay is not hampering his St Johnstone revival.

The 51-year-old Finn was paraded as the Perth club's new manager on October 2, yet still can't officially take charge because of a hold-up securing a work permit.

Just like against Rangers, Valakari will watch today's big bottom-six clash with Ross County from the stands.

Kirk and Alex Cleland have been at the training ground controls and will direct operations against Staggies.

Kirk said: "The manager has obviously got his own ideas and I'm in constant contact with him.

"My and Alex's job over the last week or so has been to put on training sessions, based on the ideas he'd like to implement, before he can actually start.