Former St Johnstone defender Allan Preston believes Saints' boss Derek McInnes could be the next Scottish boss to make his mark in England. McInnes brought the Perth men up from the Irn-Bru First Division last year and with two games remaining before the Clydesdale Bank Premier League splits in two, his side are in seventh place and battling with Hearts for a top-six spot.

Preston, who played for St Johnstone, Hearts and Dundee United, believes that hanging on to their boss could be the Perth club's biggest problem this summer.

"Derek McInnes has been brilliant for St Johnstone, I have been very impressed," he said.

"Owen Coyle did well with Saints and he went on to do well with Burnley before going to Bolton but it was Derek who brought them up to the SPL.

"They have been excellent this season, and are really pleasing on the eye.

"Derek goes about his work with great diligence both on and off the park.

"They look very well organised, they create chances and score goals, although they do concede.

"But one thing about St Johnstone, there is always a good game guaranteed with them.

"I'm not sure there is a move available to him in the SPL at the moment but I'm sure one of the bigger clubs in England would want him.

"As we know, people like Coyle, Billy Davies, Gordon Strachan, David Moyes and Alex Ferguson ply their trade in England.

"Scottish managers and coaches are well thought of down south and Derek is another one whom they will rate.

"To be fair to St Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown, he has shown in the past with Paul Sturrock and Owen Coyle that he will not stand in the way of successful managers so it could certainly happen and I'm sure Derek would do very well."