St Johnstone captain Dave Mackay’s season is over.
The veteran defender is to undergo a second hip operation that will sideline him for at least four months.
It is a crushing disappointment for player and club after the former Dundee and Livingston man worked his way back to fitness after surgery less than a year ago.
Manager Tommy Wright signed former Alloa and Kilmarnock right-back as defensive cover, with Darnell Fisher set to start against Aberdeen tomorrow.
“It was sore after the Hibs game,” Wright reported. “He didn’t feel good and was struggling a bit towards the end. He didn’t have any power left.
“It had settled down but by Tuesday it was a lot worse. Obviously we were concerned but we thought it would be fine after a couple of weeks out.
“But we sent him to a specialist in Leeds on Wednesday and it has been confirmed he needs another operation. We will get that done as soon as possible but the season has gone for him.
“Depending on what work they do he is looking at being out for a minimum of four months, maybe five.
“It is a blow for him at his stage of his career having another operation. It is a blow for the squad as well.”
Wright added: “We have done everything we can. We tapered his training and he had felt a bit better. There wasn’t a panic or major concern. We thought he could be managed and only miss a couple of weeks.
“When he came back from the previous operation he was good.
“Over the last couple of weeks his form had shaded and we thought maybe the pitches were playing a part. But there was something more sinister going on.
“Dave is gutted. But when we got the results of the scan back it was something that needs to be done for his future quality of life as well as football.
“His mobility after the semi-final was really affected. It has to be addressed and it will be addressed.”
On the defensive situation, Wright said: “We have six defenders including young Liam Gordon.
“Liam Craig and David Wotherspoon have played full-back but we have Darnell and I have been pleased with him when he has played.
“Easty (Brian Easton) is out this weekend but we will have someone in for Saturday.”