St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright doesn’t believe Murray Davidson has reached a new high level of performance since his latest comeback from injury.
And that’s because he’s never seen a dip.
“There is always a good level of consistency about Murray’s performances,” Wright explained.
“He has been outstanding after coming back from injury but he was impressing even before that.
“The trouble with Muzz is that he always seems to be playing through some sort of niggling injury.
“Maybe he was playing when he shouldn’t have been with the ankle problem but you always get 100% from him.
“There are times in games when he might look as if he is tiring but he just keeps going.
“He is a strong runner and he covers the pitch as well in the 90th minute as in the first minute. His energy levels are incredible, he is aggressive, he can nick a goal and he is valuable in both boxes.
“Hopefully he can have a run to the end of the season where he is injury free because he can be a big player for us.”
The former Livingston man, who was as impressive at Pittodrie as he was against Inverness Caledonian Thistle the week before, will miss the Rangers match on December 28 after passing the yellow card threshold.
But Wright believes the odd suspension is unavoidable
“He misses the Rangers game but it is inevitable that he will pick up bookings,” the Northern Irishman said.
“On the plus side he will be fresh for the Dundee game. And we have coped with injuries and suspensions so far.”
There was no extra homework to be undone on tomorrow’s opponents Motherwell in midweek due to the early abandonment of their clash with Aberdeen.
“I felt for both teams but it was the right decision,” Wright said. “If you take them off again you run the risk of injury to players.
“I know Mark (McGhee) well. We played together at Newcastle. He is a good manager with a lot of experience. But young James (McFadden) will be patrolling the touchline.”
No decision has yet been made on whether Danny Swanson will return from injury.
Wright said: “I won’t take any chances with Danny but hopefully he will make it. But we have to make sure he gets through two sessions before making any decision.
“If he was to miss this week, he would certainly be fit for Kilmarnock next week – but there is still every chance he could make Motherwell.
“Danny is important to us but all the players are important, because we’re very much a team.
“We got a good result last week at Aberdeen when he wasn’t in the team so we’re not a one-man team.”
Paul Paton is expected to be available.
