Graham Gartland set to return for St Johnstone

Dec 1 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

IRISH defender Graham Gartland could be ready for Saturday’s home clash with Kilmarnock as Saints bid to put more daylight between themselves and the lower reaches of the SPL.

The former Drogheda skipper has missed the last two games after damaging his shoulder at Aberdeen.

Yesterday, manager Derek McInnes confirmed he could be ready for a weekend return.

“Maybe trying to get him ready for the Accies match was pushing it. This is more in the original timeframe.

“Garts is bursting to get back because that’s in his nature.

“His shoulder popped at Aberdeen and it’s an injury common in rugby. He is feeling it less and less as the days go by. There is still a bit of discomfort but now it’s a matter of confidence.”

Gartland could feature in a closed doors game today, along with a string of players who need game time. If he does, and he comes through it with no ill effects, he could return against Killie.

Reflecting on the draw with Hamilton, McInnes said it was disappointing to go behind to a goal conceded from a corner. The personnel had been briefed on the danger posed by Accies at dead balls.

“It was disappointing we didn’t deal with it but the response of the players was great. It was a harsh result. But we should have shown more composure in the final third.

“Accies are difficult to play against but I genuinely felt we were better than them. Now we have another home game to look forward to this weekend.”

Among the personnel expected to get a run today are Gavin Swankie, Peter MacDonald, Jonaton Johansson, Gary Irvine, Steven Anderson and Paul Sheerin.

It’s been a tough time for full-back Gary Irvine, who has had to be content with a place on the bench recently.

Last term, the ex-Celt was a fixture in the team and was tied-up on a new contract over the summer despite interest from England. But he underwent ankle surgery before the start of the campaign and hasn’t featured in the starting line-up since the Celtic defeat, with summer recruit Dave Mackay proving one of the side’s most consistent performers.

McInnes said: “It has been difficult for Gary. He played consistently and did really well for us last season.

“I fully expect him to do well for us again. There is no doubting his ability. I think the world of him. He is the right type but he takes it hard not being in the team. And I don’t want players here who feel any different.

“Gary has to keep himself physically and mentally prepared for his chance. Like anyone else, he has to be ready to step back in.

“He was struggling after ankle surgery at the start of the season and that hampered him. So it has been frustrating and difficult for Gary.”

Striker Stevie Milne has been sidelined for eight weeks after damaging ankle ligaments. But he’s hoping to resume training towards the end of the week.

“That would be a real step forward for me. I hurt my ankle away to Hamilton and it felt a bad one at the time. A defender landed on me and it turned out the ligament had been torn.

“The estimate was six to eight weeks out. It has been very frustrating but the boys have been doing well.

“I’ve had five injections now, intensive treatment, a scan and x-rays - and I went to see a specialist in Leicester.”

Milne admits he’s even envious of players turning out today in the closed doors game.

“I’d like to get a game of any sort. But I’m not looking at the fixture list and pencilling-in a return. I’ve done that already and it hasn’t worked out.

“Obviously I’ll need a game or two in the reserves when I am back in training.”