ST Johnstone forward Josh Fowler has earned high praise from manager Simo Valakari for his unique path to becoming the Premiership's top scorer. The 24-year-old's four goals in five league games have been a bright spot for a Saints side sitting seventh in the table with seven points from five matches. Valakari, speaking ahead of Wednesday's visit from Celtic, described Fowler as a confident 'street footballer' who has learned the game his own way.
Fowler's journey to McDiarmid Park is far from conventional. Released by Johnstone Burgh in 2021, he spent a season with Beith Juniors before footballing stints in Dubai and Australia. He joined Queen's Park in the summer of 2025 and scored 19 goals in the first half of that season, earning a January move to ST Johnstone. His immediate impact has seen him lead the Premiership scoring charts early in this campaign, contributing to the team's total of eight goals scored and eight conceded.
Simo Valakari highlighted the forward's distinctive background and self-belief. "He’s a very confident player, and he has backed up that confidence through scoring goals," the manager said. "He’s right to be very, very confident." Valakari pointed out that Fowler developed without a traditional academy education, calling his style 'street football' and expressing admiration for his free spirit on the pitch. The manager believes this unconventional route has forged a player with a unique edge and relentless desire.
The Finnish coach sees Fowler playing a specific, old-fashioned centre-forward role. "If he keeps working hard, trying to score goals, playing as an old-fashioned centre-forward who runs defenders when the ball comes over the top, then he will continue to score goals," Valakari stated. He added that the team is structured to create chances for the in-form striker and expressed belief that Fowler can sustain his scoring run. This tactical fit is key for a Saints side looking to build on a solid, if unspectacular, start that has them eight points behind league leaders Celtic.
ST Johnstone host the reigning champions on Wednesday, a fixture that brings back memories of a famous 1-0 win over Celtic in April 2025. Valakari was quick to note his current team is different from the one that achieved that result over a year ago, following a season spent in the second tier. He acknowledged Celtic's deep winning culture and the dangerous combination of player quality and that mentality. However, the manager insisted his squad is "here to compete" as they look to improve their recent form of win, draw, loss, loss, win.
Beyond the Celtic match, the focus shifts to consolidating their mid-table position. The Saints' next Premiership fixture is a home match against Dundee United on October 17th. United currently sit ninth in the table, making it a significant opportunity for points. Fans can track the team's preparation and lineup news on the official squad page, while the full fixtures list shows a busy period ahead. The club will be aiming to use Fowler's form as a springboard, with the standings showing a tight battle developing in the middle of the Premiership. The team returns to league action at McDiarmid Park in five weeks' time.
