Peter MacDonald was chosen to partner his manager in a Ryder Cup-style team bonding golf match for the St Johnstone squad on Thursday afternoon.
Having not picked up a club in years, the Perth striker wasn’t confident that his skills on the fairways of the Crieff Hydro course would be likely to impress Derek McInnes in the Scots versus the rest of the world contest, but he is more hopeful that what he is doing on the football pitch is catching his eye.
The only selection the former Rangers man is really concerned about is for the Saints first team and, on that front, he believes he is getting close to his target.
MacDonald, who scored in a closed-doors game against St Mirren this week as he continues his recuperation from the latest in a long line of injuries, said, “That’s the third 90 minutes I’ve got under my belt now and I’ve done well in all of them.
He added, “I feel fit, and I know the gaffer has organised another game for next week. I’m happy with the way things are going and it’s now up to the gaffer where and when I get back involved with the first team.”
“Personally, I feel I’d be ready to go now and I’d play tomorrow if asked. But it’s up to the boss.
“The most important thing is once I get my chance, I have to make sure I play well and stay in the team.”
MacDonald’s contract along with comeback colleague Martin Hardie runs out in January but he insisted he doesn’t feel any extra pressure.
He said, “My main aim was to come back fit, whatever my contract situation was, and that’s what I’ve done.
“It hasn’t made me feel any different. Anyway, it will be my performances when I get back that will count.”Loans an optionFor his part, McInnes is happy with the progress MacDonald and Hardie are making.
He said, “They’re both getting more confident and have worked really hard to get to this stage.
“They’re probably still a wee bit away from first team consideration but are definitely moving in the right direction.
“A loan isn’t something we’d rule out for them. If the player is keen and it suits us, it’s something we’d definitely look at at.”
The injury situation at the club as a whole is also looking brighter.
McInnes said, “Right now, as it stands, Kevin Moon is the only one who’s out, so we’re starting to look stronger.
“Mooner’s about seven months into his rehab and will be another three to four weeks from full training. The actual knee ligament itself is fine but with that type of injury you can get one or two complications working your way back.
“I think he still has a huge part to play in our season.”
Meanwhile, Murray Davidson missed Thursday night’s opening leg of Scotland under-21s’ European Championship play-off in Iceland with a pelvic strain.
McInnes is optimistic the midfielder will be available for selection for the return leg at Easter Road next week, however.