Club captain Dave Mackay joined in the first day of St Johnstone’s pre-season training yesterday.
And Perth boss Tommy Wright believes the former Livingston man is on schedule with his recovery from a second hip operation.
It would be overly optimistic, though, to expect the veteran defender to be available for the start of the new campaign.
“Dave Mackay did a bit of work with the rest of the lads and came through it without any problems,” Wright reported.
“He is on schedule to get back playing by mid-August but we are easing him in and will be monitoring him.
“It was good that Cuptie was able to do something on day one. He says he is feeling ok.”
It was a fit Saints squad that got back to work, according to Wright.
“Everyone is looking good and the new boys have settled in well,” he added.
“Tam Scobbie sat it out. He had a wee niggle but he’s fine.”
As expected, Alan Mannus has been given an extended break after being away with Northern Ireland for five weeks.
Wright said: “Alan has been given a week off because he has been away with Northern Ireland at the Euros and while he didn’t play he was training and preparing for games.
“So he won’t be going to Ireland with us next week.”
