IF last week's Premiership introduction was a thrilling roller-coaster experience for Steve Wigley, Saturday was more like a rather serene ride on a merry-go-round.

The atmosphere was somewhat flat, the football was rarely electrifying, indeed the touchline antics of Graeme Souness were frequently the most compelling aspect.

That's probably slightly harsh on Saints, who picked up a valuable away point, but the match had the inescapable feel of one between two teams expecting to finish comfortably in the middle of the table.

Without being spectacular, the industry in central midfield of Paul Telfer and Rory Delap ensured Saints were well in control early on and they perhaps missed an opportunity to put the game beyond a poor Blackburn.

A half-time rollicking from Souness can be guessed at with some confidence and the home team did come out displaying far more zip, though after the equaliser both teams appeared content with a draw - even if Souness wasn't!

Amid this general competency, but mediocrity, the mind did occasionally wonder. Indeed, I found myself spending large parts of the game day-dreaming about the various contenders to be player of the season in what has so far been a strange, although reasonable, campaign.

Strikers James Beattie, Brett Ormerod and Kevin Phillips have all enjoyed periods of good form, but none have quite managed to truly sustain it over a large number of games as Beattie did last year.

For that, they might well have a good case to blame the creativity behind them, and it is impossible to put forward any other attacking talents as the outstanding player.

Telfer has had a reasonable season, although he has probably looked better in the centre of midfield than his usual position on the right. But for all his running, how many times can you remember him splitting the opposition defence with a killer pass?

The midfielder to really catch the eye this season, though, has been David Prutton. His energy and sheer will to win has stood out and the prospect of him eventually linking up with a fit again Oakley is genuinely exciting.

Prutton will certainly be in the running for Saints' player of the season, but it is in defence where most of the top contenders ply their trade.

Their average of conceding just one goal per game remains among the best in the Premiership.

Jason Dodd has enjoyed a solid season, as has Claus Lundekvam, while Graeme Le Saux has oozed quality, although he did miss a sizeable chunk of games through injury.

Danny Higginbotham has also been excellent and can consider himself unlucky to be dropped on Saturday.

But the outstanding two figures have surely been Michael Svensson and Antti Niemi.

Once again on Saturday, Svensson gave a towering display in winning countless headers and challenges in the centre of defence, while Niemi pulled off his now customary couple of outstanding saves per match.

For me, Svensson just shades it as Saints' best so far this season, particularly as he also provides a real goal threat from set-pieces.

His professionalism somehow sums up everything that is good about the team.

But with 11 games to go, it would be nice to now see a creative talent step forward and really shine.

Still, there's been a certain symmetry about the season so far - 27 games played, 27 goals scored, 27 goals conceded.

It could only have been 1-1 really ..