The left side of defence is an area of his squad St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson can now consider himself blessed with plenty of options in.
But comeback double cup-winner Callum Booth is up for the fight of forcing his way to the front of the queue.
The former Dundee United man featured in Monday’s closed-doors game against Preston North End, having returned to training before the World Cup break following summer surgery to his left and right Achilles tendons.
Davidson has used Adam Montgomery and James Brown at left wing-back this season, with Tony Gallacher returning to the Perth first team squad ahead of Booth.
So it won’t be easy for the ex-Hibs player to work his way into the Saints starting line-up anytime soon.
However, it’s a battle he is relishing.
Ali Crawford scored his first goal for Saints the last time we faced @DundeeFC ⚽️
Crunching Callum Booth tackle for the assist too ✅#SJFC
— St. Johnstone FC (@StJohnstone) September 28, 2021
“You’ve no idea how good I’m feeling,” said the 31-year-old, whose last first team game was at the start of May.
“I’ve been on a real high.
“I’ve been training with the lads for the past few weeks and the World Cup break came at the wrong time for me.
“So I’ve had to be even more patient and I couldn’t wait to get back this week and get into the action again.
“I’ve managed to get some really good training sessions in and pull on the jersey in bounce games.
“It’s all been positive and I’m heading in the right direction. I’m feeling good.”
Ross County aim
Booth added: “My aim is to be ready and available for selection for our first game back, away to Ross County.
“But I know there is strong competition for places and I can’t take anything for granted.
“The lads have been in great form and it’s been a pleasure to watch them in action in the past couple of months.
“When you are sidelined through injury, you are helpless and it can be frustrating.
“But seeing the lads winning and going on an unbeaten run makes it that bit easier and not as painful.
“I hope that’s me finished with operations and treatment tables for a while now. That’s the longest spell I’ve ever had out.
“Now, I’m on the way back and it’s up to me to give the manager a selection headache.
“We have a really strong squad and the recruitment in the summer was brilliant.
“The manager added some real quality to the team and credit to him and everyone at the football club for that.
“There’s plenty to be optimistic about and we are looking forward to the Premiership starting up again.”
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