It’s all fright on the night for Jackson

Mar 14 2008

ANDY Jackson got the fright of his life after being felled in the midweek win over Queen of the South.

Perth fans looked on anxiously as their 16-goal attacker was removed to a waiting ambulance after a sickening head clash.

But yesterday brave Jackson, who was released from Ninewells hours after the game, insisted he’ll be ready to face Livingston tomorrow.

Boss Derek McInnes could be tempted to leave him in reserve with Tuesday’s Scottish Cup replay against St Mirren in the back of his mind.

Jackson didn’t train yesterday but believes he’ll be back in the old routine today.

He said: “It was scary but I’ve had worse knocks. I was knocked out in an U19 game against Falkirk on the astroturf and still can’t remember anything about that one.

“This time I was never unconscious but I landed on my face and couldn’t get up. It was weird.

“I remember hearing a loud cheer from the fans as I was being put in the ambulance and asked if we’d scored. The guy said that was good because at least I knew what was happening!

“Liam Craig was at the hospital with two of my mates and that was good of him. It was a nice surprise to hear we’d won 2-1.

“The x-rays were fine but the docs said my reaction was down to shock. I felt better when the protective collar came off.

“It won’t affect me or the way I play the game. As a striker, and a wee one at that, I’m used to taking a battering from big defenders. You have to go for headers. It won’t knock my confidence.”

Jackson is a leading player of the year candidate in a memorable breakthrough season. Now he has his heart set on breaching the 20-goal barrier.

“That’s definitely the aim now. That would be incredible considering I wasn’t playing at the start of the season.

“I came off the bench at Dunfermline and felt I would get a start after that game. I had been wondering what I was doing wrong.

“I had hoped Sandy Stewart would land the manager’s job when Owen Coyle left for Burnley. I thought I’d have to start proving myself all over again if someone new came in. It was a big relief when Derek got the job. He’d already told me he had a high regard for me as a player. And it has worked out brilliantly. The gaffer has shown real confidence in me.”

Saints are now nine points behind Dundee and 12 off the pace set by Hamilton, with a game in hand over Accies. Their rivals clash tomorrow so something has to give. But McInnes has made it clear what he wants from his players against a Livingston side being sucked into a relegation dogfight and surrounded by takeover speculation.

“There are eight league games left and we have to win every one of them. To be honest, if we were to lose even one it would be over for us. We have to finish the season strongly and, of course, there are cup places to play for.”

McInnes has admired the side’s resilience and ability to bounce back from conceding the first goal. But he would like to win in a more straightforward fashion.

McInnes was delighted to see Peter MacDonald bag a brace in midweek, saying: “Peaso is a real team player and I’ve asked him to do that shift on the left. But he is a good finisher and showed that in midweek playing up front.”

Yet again, McInnes has a lengthy injury list, although Goran Stanic should feature tomorrow. Kevin Rutkiewicz missed training with a back injury but is expected to play. Martin Hardie has returned to training but Andy Lawrie and Jamie McCluskey are out for the season after surgery. Their contracts are up in the summer.

Stuart McCaffrey remains sidelined, as do fellow loan players Sean Lynch and Greg Cameron. Daniel McBreen has yet to resume training.

McInnes said: “There has been a knock-on effect because even our emergency loan players have been injured. But McBreen’s loss has been very disappointing because having a big striker in the squad is essential.”

SAINTS fans travelling to Paisley for Tuesday’s cup replay should buy tickets from McDiarmid. Season ticket holders get priority until 5pm today. The public sale is Saturday 10am to noon and on Monday and Tuesday during normal office hours. They are £16, £10 concessions and £20 parent and child. The game kicks-off at 7.45pm.

THE league game against Clyde at McDiarmid has been re-arranged for Tuesday, March 25 at McDiarmid.