Injury worries for St Johnstone opener against Hearts

Aug 13 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

IT’S the moment Derek McInnes has been preparing for since the dust settled on last term’s SPL campaign.

But yesterday, at the club’s Little Kerse training base near Grangemouth, the Perth manager was unable to drill the defensive line he had in mind for the opening day challenge which presents itself at Tynecastle tomorrow.

Dave Mackay remains a serious doubt with a back injury which has sidelined him since the Irish trip, while Michael Duberry and Kevin Rutkiewicz are nursing groin and calf injuries which curtailed their appearances against Real Valladolid last weekend.

With McInnes operating with just half a dozen defenders, it’s a big worry going into an eagerly awaited opener.

He said: “There are concerns about these three players but I’m prepared to give them every chance to make it.”

Inevitably, trialist Stuart Duff is being mentioned as a potential emergency recruit but McInnes, while indicating he had done well in recent games and talks would take place, observed that the former Dundee United and Aberdeen utility player had other notes of interest.

Assessing his squad, McInnes said he got in players over the summer that had been targeted and while numbers were down he anticipated the quality had been boosted.

“Ideally you want to get off to a good start. Injuries happen at every club, so hopefully we can cope.

“The injuries certainly don’t dilute enthusiasm for the game in Edinburgh. We are really looking forward to it.

"It’s been a long pre-season and friendlies have served their purpose but now it’s for real. The players share my excitement.

“We took seven points from nine against Hearts last season, although there wasn’t much between the teams.

“For us to be chasing Hearts for a top six place before the split was a testament to my players. They have a massive following and a different agenda.

“It’s a tough proposition this weekend because they have a new manager and new players but we are determined to go there and make the most of it.”

McInnes is no fool and is well aware expectations have been raised on the back of last season’s exploits.

But, while the primary objective remains avoiding relegation, the players are well aware they are aiming higher.

He said: “The only pressure we have is what we put on ourselves. Last season some people were tipping us to go back down but we always felt within ourselves we were good enough to stay up. If we can secure the points needed to retain our SPL place with as many games to go as last season I’m sure we can take it on.

"You are always looking to improve.

“It’s been hard work to bring in people, especially when you are dealing with bigger salaries. But once you have worked hard to convince them to come here they have to buy into what we are trying to achieve here.

“We have the nucleus of the squad that did well last year and we owed it to them to bring in quality.

"But it took a huge effort from everyone last season and that is needed again. Remember, this club was seven seasons outside the SPL and we can’t afford that to happen again.

“We don’t want to stand still but every point we earned last season was hard earned and it will be the same again this year.”

MORE than 700 Perth fans will cheer on Saints at Tynecastle. Remaining tickets are available today from McDiarmid priced £19 for adults along with various concessions.

There is a cash gate being lined-up tomorrow and adult admission is £22.