St Johnstone's Andy Jackson hospitalised

Apr 25 2008 Andrew Welsh

SAINTS’ injury headaches grew worse yesterday after hit-kid Andy Jackson was left stricken in hospital.

McDiarmid boss Derek McInnes said the 20-year-old striker had been struck down by a mystery condition since coming off early in Wednesday night’s loss to Stirling Albion, leaving him “a real worry” ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Livingston.

“Andy’s still in hospital and is being sent for a scan today,” the manager told PA Sport. “He had pins and needles all down one side of his body and the doctors think it might be a disc in his back or an abscess problem.

“He was due to get a tooth out and it looks like there might have been a reaction. He was in absolute agony the other night and left the ground in a neck brace and in a wheelchair.”

McInnes’ dark mood was temporarily lifted when stand-in skipper Kevin Rutkiewicz (27) yesterday signed on for a further two years with Saints.

“Kevin has been arguably my best player this season so it’s great news for the club,” said the manager.

Set to depart McDiarmid Park are Rutkiewicz’s defensive partner Allan McManus (33) and unlucky midfielder Jamie McCluskey (20), neither of whom are being offered new deals.

“With Kevin James returning to fitness I am happy with my centre halves,” said McInnes. “Allan knew the situation and he goes with our best wishes. He’s been a good servant to the club. Jamie has been injured, but he is talented and works hard so he’s capable of playing elsewhere.”

Midfield anchor Jody Morris will miss tomorrow’s clash through injury but McInnes hopes Goran Stanic and McManus will have recovered from knocks, while Steven Anderson should be available despite playing while sick against Stirling.

With a view to making a strong start next season, suspension-threatened key men Martin Hardie and Rutkiewicz will again sit out the action.

However, after getting their first taste of top team action at Forthbank, 18-year-old defenders Stephen Kerr and Adam Monaghan are both listed in the Saints squad.

“We have beaten Livingston three times this season,” said McInnes. “It would be nice to complete the set.”