St Johnstone striker Chris Kane is ready to hit the ground running this season.
The centre-forward, who scored six goals for Saints after returning from a loan spell at Queen of the South, had his campaign cut short by a torn hamstring in April.
The 23-year-old is confident that he has made a full recovery and now wants to stake his claim to be Saints’ main man up front.
“Towards the end of last season I was doing a lot of running,” said Kane.
“I’ve had my holidays and have been coming in for the last two weeks. I feel fit now.
“I feel fresh and ready to go again.
“I was told it was quite a bad one and I’d be out for 10 to 12 weeks. That took me through to the end of the season and beyond.
“But I have pushed it a bit harder over the last fortnight and I feel fine.
“The injury was bad timing because I had started scoring goals and my confidence was sky high.
“It was a bit of a setback for me.”
Injury apart, the back end of the season was a positive one for Kane, who is aware that mentor Steven MacLean’s departure presents an opportunity.
He said: “I was more confident after the spell at Queen of the South because I had been playing and scoring towards the end of my loan there.
“I scored the hat-trick against Albion Rovers in the cup in my first game back here.
“Confidence is a massive thing for me and I have learned so much over the past year.
“Steven MacLean was brilliant for me throughout my time here and obviously he has left for Hearts.
“With him away I am going to have to step up. There are spots up for grabs and I will be battling to get a place up front.
“I am looking forward to playing with the likes of David McMillan and Callum Hendry, or even young John Robertson. I was watching Robbo when I was injured and thought I better watch my back here. He looks really impressive.”
