Saints ready for a defensive streak

Mar 27 2009 by Gordon Bannerman

DEFENDER Steven Anderson is desperate to play a part as St Johnstone’s bid for the SPL.

And the versatile Perth player yesterday revealed essential ankle surgery has gone on hold until the end of the season.

The former Dundee United man has made just nine starts this term but he’s eager to add to that tally in games which could restore top flight football to McDiarmid Park.

Championship rivals Dundee face a tricky trip to Ross County but Saints have a free weekend, with Scotland and the Perthshire Tartan Army on international duty in Amsterdam.

And with emergency loan Richie Byrne’s proposed extension falling victim to the SFL rulebook earlier in the week, Anderson put himself forward for the left-back slot.

He said: “I’ve got a weak ankle which needs an operation on the bone but I’ll wait until the end of the season. I’ll be out for four to six weeks.

“The gaffer asked if I would put it on hold to cover for injuries and suspensions and I’m happy to do that. But I’m desperate to get playing again. I haven’t started a first team game since I was injured against Clyde in December.

“But the side has been playing so well it’s been hard to get back in. I just have to keep working hard and wait for my chance.”

Anderson is one of eight players asked to fill the left-sided defensive berth this season, turning in an impressive display in a win over Dunfermline.

Saints face the Pars twice in five days after the clash with Partick Thistle, and the cup semi-finalists have slipped out of contention.

“It’s not my preferred position but if the manager wants me to cover I’ll happily do it. I’d be grateful for the chance.

“There are important games ahead for the club and there is always the danger of picking up suspensions and knocks.

“It has been frustrating for me but I’d love to feel part of a successful season and have some more input in the weeks that are left.”

Anderson was in a strong Perth squad which headed west for a closed doors game against Hamilton yesterday.

Earlier he featured in a reserve side which defeated East Fife 4-2.

Manager Derek McInnes, who returned north after figuring in a Masters international tournament in Liverpool, stressed he has options at the club for the left-back role but he is also assessing potential emergency loan candidates.

Assistant manager Tony Docherty, who has been talking-up Kevin Rutkiewicz as a First Division player of the year candidate, said the Hamilton game was designed to give players run-outs ranging from 30 minutes to the full 90.

He said: “It’s good to have the squad together and the focus is on our game with Partick in Perth next weekend,” he noted.

Docherty agreed Anderson was an option for left-back but he pointed out Liam Craig and Graham Gartland were also in the management team’s thoughts.

Midfielder Martin Hardie impressed in the reserves, weighing in with a goal, and he had another series of injections from a specialist in Leicester. He will train over the weekend and could stake a claim for the clash with his former club.