ST JOHNSTONE fans will get an earlier than anticipated chance to see new player-manager Owen Coyle in action after he was signed up to take part in next Friday’s legends evening at McDiarmid Park.

Coyle, who wasn’t able to play in Saints’ last three first division matches after joining from Airdrie, will play in the Scottish league select against a team of celebrities ahead of the Scotland versus England All Stars match.

The 38-year-old scored 14 goals last season and felt he could have given Falkirk’s Darryl Duffy a run for his money in the race for the division’s Golden Boot had he not been prevented from playing.

“I’m looking forward to playing again,” said Coyle.

“When I accepted the manager’s position with Saints I knew I wouldn’t be able to play over the last few weeks of the season. That was a price I was prepared to pay to get the job.

“Mind you, it was a wee bit disappointing not to be able to get the goals which would have made me the top league goalscorer again.

“Darryl Duffy was top with 17 league goals, but I don’t take penalties. But for the transfer red tape, I’m sure I could have pushed him close.

“The two previous seasons I topped the lists and it would have been nice to make it a hat-trick.”

Looking forward to Friday’s match, he said, “I’ve played in the Sky Masters for Bolton and the Republic of Ireland in the past and I’m looking forward to next week.

“I’ve been ticking over during the last three weeks in training.

“It probably worked out for the best because I was able to assess everybody from the sidelines.”

Meanwhile, Steven Anderson and Kevin Cuthbert have yet to give Coyle their answer on whether they will be accepting Saints’ contract offers.