St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson will be playing catch-up after missing a few days’ training because of a virus.
The Scotland squad member was sent home from Largs early in the week and Perth boss Derek McInnes has revealed that, as a result, it is unlikely he’ll feature in the first two pre-season friendlies against Arbroath on Monday and then Drogheda on Thursday.
McInnes explained, “We’re hoping he’s back training by the end of the week but we’re well aware that he’s been pretty ill. He’ll catch up next week, but there’s a good chance he won’t be involved in our first couple of matches.
“We’ll give him the chance to get back up to speed with the sessions he’s missed.”
Saints were supposed to have seen action against Spartans tomorrow, but that fixture has been called off by mutual agreement and will allow “a couple of niggles” in the McDiarmid Park squad to clear up.
Meanwhile, Saints’ David Robertson insists he has had no second thoughts about moving to McDiarmid Park as his former side Dundee United gear up for another European adventure.
Robertson left Tannadice under freedom of contract at the end of last season to try his luck in Perth, knowing full well he was giving up the chance to play in the Europa League.
Now, as United prepare to travel to Poland to take on Slask Wroclaw in the second qualifying round of the tournament next Thursday, the midfielder is adamant he harbours no regrets about his big career move.
“United have been handed a really tough draw in Europe but, to be fair, they would rather be there than not,” he said. “I still think they are capable of doing well. Hopefully, they will get a good result over there and beat them at Tannadice.No regrets”I have no regrets about missing out on European football. I made the decision to leave Dundee United and it was a tough one, but you have to stand by it.
“Hopefully, this time next year, we will be talking about St Johnstone in Europe or doing well in the league.”
Robertson is one of several new faces in the McDiarmid Park dressing-room, along with Sean Higgins, Frazer Wright, Callum Davidson and Carl Finnegan.
There are already big characters at Saints, such as skipper Jody Morris, but Robertson revealed that former United team-mate David McCracken is set to liven things up even more.
“I knew Cracks for about three years when he was at Tannadice,” he said. “I played for about half a season with him under Craig Levein. He is a great signing for Saints and I think he will do really well here.
“The dressing-room is pretty lively at the moment, but he will make it even more so. He is a big character to say the least and a great guy.
“Doc (assistant boss Tony Docherty) had mentioned a wee while ago that we were talking to him, but it still came out of the blue when I realised he had signed here.
“There are a few new boys now including Cracks, and that will ensure there is loads of competition all over the pitch, especially in defence and midfield.
“So you will have to be on your toes, sharp and performing at your best to get in the team it is a challenge I am looking forward to.”
McInnes dismissed speculation he had made an offer to Crawley for former Dunfermline winger Willie Gibson.
The search though for a wide midfielder and a striker goes on.
He said, “We know we’re short in certain areas. We want to bring in pace and width and we’re working hard to do that. It’s never easy though.”