Jacko all ready for a fresh start

Dec 23 2008 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

LAST season, Andy Jackson was the most prolific striker on the Perth club’s books and walked away with a pile of player of the year trophies.

But this term has been blighted by illness and injury, with just five starts to his name.

The 19-goal centre was recalled to the squad at Airdrie and made an instant impact, winning a spot-kick soon after his introduction.

Yesterday, Jackson pledged to get back on the goal trail in the second half of the campaign.

No side has scored more than Saints but with the Perth attack finding goals hard to come by recently, Jackson is eager to stake a claim.

Right now, a pre-season bet struck with boss Derek McInnes that he'll get 20 goals this term looks decidedly shaky.

But he said: “It’s just great to be back. I was disappointed with the weekend result although on the bright side we are unbeaten in 13 games and top of the table.

“But we could have gone seven points ahead of our nearest rivals.

“But personally it was great to be back playing. The manager has been very positive and told me to put myself about and get back among the goals. I didn’t get a goal but at least I won a penalty. I got ahead of the defender and he caught me so it was definitely a spot-kick.

“I was sure we’d get a good return after going a goal up because we have been so composed at the back. Losing a late goal was a bit of a shock.

“We haven’t been scoring a lot recently but we haven’t been losing goals. It was at the start of the season we were leaking goals. We have tightened up. So going ahead in any game we expect to win it.”

Jackson’s strength of character has been tested this term.

A hangover from illness which twice saw him require hospital treatment

over the summer has taken its toll. But Jackson is ready to reclaim his place.

“I feel I’m getting back to full fitness again. I've been training for two weeks and it was a boost to get a goal against Dunfermline reserves.

“Everyone at the club has kept me going while I’ve been out. There were the problems late last season and then I piled on weight by eating too much pasta over the summer. And I was out for a month with bone bruising on my ankle.

“It has been a slow process but now I’m fit and raring to go – and feeling sharp.”

Boss Derek McInnes welcomed Jackson's return to the fold, stressing that the young centre will have a part to play as Saints push for promotion.

"Andy has been brilliant in training and he has been working hard after all his problems. His season is just starting. There is a real hunger about him.

"It wasn't a fluke that he got all those goals last season. It will happen again for Andy. I'm as sure as I can be that he will go on to have a very good career. It's great to have him available again."

Peter MacDonald (calf) and Kevin Moon (hip) were excused duty against Airdrie after missing several training sessions last week.

McInnes admitted it was disappointing to draw after securing a late lead from the penalty spot.

But he stressed: "There was still a lot to be pleased about. It is hardly a disaster. We are still unbeaten in 13 games and we are top of the league. I know we all have high expectations so the draws are frustrating. But we know what this league is all about and we won't get things all our own way. Bear in mind, most of the draws have been away from home during this good run.

"If we pick up points on the road and win at home we won't be far away. We aren't firing on all cylinders but it's been a long time since this football club was on top of the league."