Injuries clear for final title sprint

Mar 6 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Injuries clear for final title sprint

WITH 11 games between St Johnstone and the title, manager Derek McInnes was boosted yesterday by positive news on the injury front.

Striker Collin Samuel will feature in the squad for tomorrow’s home clash with Ross County.

And McInnes is confident midfield dynamos Jody Morris and Martin Hardie will still have influential roles to play.

While Dunfermline are on cup duty, second placed Partick face Clyde and the league leaders are eager to bag three points against the Staggies, and add another victory to a best-ever undefeated record hallmarked by 10 draws.

Skipper Kevin Rutkiewicz caused a scare yesterday by missing training with a bug which has been going the rounds at McDiarmid. But McInnes is confident the defender will be in place to shackle a County attack which includes 42-year-old striker Craig Brewster.

McInnes said: “A few of the boys, myself included, have been unwell but Dinky should be fine. We have had good news on Jody. He will be fit again in four weeks, which was the best case scenario after he damaged his lateral ligament.

“There had still been a lingering doubt that it could have been more serious than a tear and surgery would be required.

“Jody has been to see the Chelsea surgeon Andy Williams, who has worked on him in the past. He was very positive and it is all very straightforward.

“Martin has benefited from a trip to Leicester to see a specialist who has worked with Kevin Moon, Steven Anderson and Kevin James. The sugar injections have already had positive results and he’ll return next week for more. He can play through this treatment.

“And Sammy is training again after his hamstring tear. He has a great record against Ross County this season and his return gives us another option.”

It would be no surprise to see recent recruit Graham Barrett being given a chance to stake a claim.

The Irishman’s desire for first team football saw him negotiate an early departure from Falkirk. He netted twice in a 5-0 win over Arbroath reserves. McInnes said: “Graham scored a couple of goals but he also looks really hungry.”

The manager was delighted with the impact made by midfielder Moon against Dundee and he will be asked to pull the strings against County.

“Jody is a huge influence on the side but I was really pleased with Mooner’s display. I never doubted the performance level he would give us but after missing so much training he surprised me with his general fitness levels.”

Saints assistant Tony Docherty had a wasted trip in midweek when the Ross County-Dunfermline game was cancelled when he was closing in on Inverness. But McInnes knows the strengths and weaknesses of a Staggies side which has proved stubborn on previous trip down the A9.

His one-time Dundee United manager, Brewster, has made an impact since donning the boots again.

McInnes said: “We want back to winning ways and will have to play well. It was disappointing to draw a home game against Dundee but there’s still lots to be positive about. We are in a strong and healthy position.

“But no one ever said it would be easy. Every game is a challenge and everyone – management, players and supporters – have to work together to make this a memorable season.”