Davidson sidelined with virus

Jul 1 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

MURRAY Davidson is set to miss St Johnstone’s first two pre-season friendlies after suffering a virus.

The midfielder was sent home from training in Largs early in the week and is unlikely to feature in the away matches against Arbroath on Monday and Drogheda on Thursday.

Speaking yesterday, Perth boss Derek McInnes explained Davidson, who worked his way into the Scotland squad last term, would have to play catch up after the setback.

He said: “We’re hoping he’s back training by the end of the week but we’re well aware that he’s been pretty ill.

“He’ll catch up next week but there’s a good chance he won’t be involved in our first couple of matches. We’ll give him the chance to get back up to speed with the sessions he’s missed.”

Saints were supposed to have seen action against Spartans tomorrow but the game was called off by mutual agreement.

McInnes also took the opportunity to dismiss speculation that he had made an offer to Crawley for former Dunfermline winger Willie Gibson and insisted their search for a wide midfielder and a striker goes on.

He added: “We know we’re short in certain areas. We want to bring in pace and width and we’re working hard to do that. It’s never easy though.”