Lee is ready to press the Main man

Oct 7 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

LEE Robinson yesterday revealed he sounded out Scotland keeper and Rangers colleague Allan McGregor before heading to Perth on loan.

McGregor was enjoying a successful loan spell at McDiarmid when the 22-year-old keeper signed-up at Ibrox.

Now, Robinson has followed in his footsteps, with an emergency loan thrashed out to ensure manager Derek McInnes has a short-term replacement for injured Euan McLean.

The keeper was on the bench against Airdrie but he is determined to make the most of his spell at the Perth club.

With McGregor and Niall Alexander battling for the Gers number one slot, Robinson admits frustration has been building this term, after a proposed return to Morton collapsed on the eve of the campaign.

On loan at Cappielow last term, he made 20 starts and relished the opportunity of first team football. Now he’s got a short-term deal at McDiarmid but Robinson admits ousting Alan Main won’t be any easier than the task he faced in Govan.

“I know Alan because he helps train youngsters at Murray Park. He is still in great shape after a career spanning more than 20 years – unbelievable in fact. I’ve already had a couple of good training sessions with him,” he said.

“I spoke to Allan McGregor when Ally McCoist and goalkeeping coach Jim Stewart mentioned Saints were interested. As I knew he would, Allan was very positive about his experience with the club. He went back to Ibrox and on to Dunfermline before breaking through at Rangers.

“Hopefully Euan McLean will recover quickly but I’m determined to make the most of my time here. If I am called upon to play, the experience I gained at Morton last season will stand me in good stead.”

COLLIN Samuel is the biggest injury worry ahead of the Livi game on October 18. It has ruled him out of Trinidad and Tobago’s clash with the USA. A scan has revealed a torn hamstring. Martin Hardie (back) and Steven Anderson (knee) should be fit, along with Steven Doris, while Jody Morris and Kevin James should resume training on Monday.

OWEN Coyle won the Championship manager of the month accolade for a successful spell with Burnley. In September, the ex-Saints boss steered the Turf Moor side to four wins and a draw in the league and also saw off Fulham in the League Cup.