Saints defender Gary Irvine needs to put in work to return to first team

Nov 17 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEFENDER Gary Irvine will have to work hard to earn his first-team recall, writes Johnathon Menzies.

The 24-year-old former Celtic player – pictured – was a mainstay in St Johnstone’s title-winning side last term and signed a new contract in the summer.

But, with summer recruit Dave Mackay making the right-back birth his own following his move from Livingston, Derek McInnes insists that Irvine – who has made just one appearance so far this campaign – has no divine right to be in the first eleven.

He said: “I’ve got a high opinion of Gary and he’s a valuable member of our squad. It’s been difficult for Gary because he had an operation in the summer and that hampered him a bit in pre-season.

“We signed Dave Mackay for competition across the back four and I’ve been really pleased with his performances.

“The door was opened for him and he’s taken his opportunity.

“It is difficult when you’re out of the team but Gary has to keep training hard and playing well in bounce games.

“I’ve no doubt his chance will come again and he’s got to be ready physically and mentally when that happens,” McInnes said.