St Johnstone travelled to Belfast yesterday for their pre-season training camp without David Wotherspoon who has remained in Scotland after having an operation on his wrist.
The 26-year-old was absent as the rest of the Saints squad sailed by ferry to Northern Ireland.
Skipper Dave Mackay was also left back home as he recovers from hip surgery however, Craig Thomson, who had a shoulder operation in April has recovered and is back in full training.
St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright, who is still looking to bolster his squad, said: “David Wotherspoon has had a wee operation on his wrist.
“He was troubled by it last season and it flared up when he returned to training. So he hasn’t come with us to Ireland.
“He wouldn’t have been available for the game at the weekend so he will do some work back home.
“We didn’t bring Dave Mackay either. He can do a bit more work at home.
“There have been the usual run-of-the mill niggles that you expect in pre-season.
“We have 24 players over here, including some of the younger lads like Liam Gordon and Eoghan McCawl.
“Craig Thomson is here as well. He’s back in full training after his shoulder op last season. I’m happy with the squad but we are still looking.
“If I can get someone in that will make the squad better we will do it. Ideally, we’d be looking at a striker and another defender.”
Wright and his coaching staff put the players through their paces last week with a lot of fitness work but the manager revealed there will be more emphasis on the ball in Northern Ireland.
St Johnstone also have a game against Glentoran on Saturday and they have now arranged another friendly against Livingston as Wright’s side gear up for the start of the season.
He added: “We could have gone abroad and there are pros and cons to both options.
“We know the environment and the set-up here, having used it in the past. The hotel and the food are good and the weather is the same as in Scotland.
“The lads came back in good shape and did a lot of fitness work last week.
“This week there will be a lot more done with the football.
“We will be having double sessions here and a reasonably tough game against Glentoran on Saturday.
“We have also one arranged at Livingston on July 12 and there’s the home game with Bradford as well on the 19th.”
