Dundee United’s Callum Morris admits he is relishing locking horns with St Johnstone and in particular the Perth side’s pacy danger man Michael O’Halloran this afternoon.
Morris missed the start of this season with a thigh problem and only returned to the team three weeks ago against Kilmarnock.
He and the rest of Jackie McNamara’s side are looking to kick on following their morale-boosting win over Dunfermline in the League Cup on Tuesday night.
However, he is fully aware of just how tough it will be against a Saints side buoyed by their own win the same evening against Rangers at Ibrox with O’Halloran scoring arguably the pick of their three goals.
Morris said: “St Johnstone are a decent team.
“It’s not a nice place to go to but I think we’re more than capable of going there and getting a result.
“It’s kind of a derby game and I suppose last season they had a bit of a reputation for being solid, aggressive and well-organised.
“They’re a bit in your face.
“Michael’s nippy to be fair so it should be a good contest.
“He is a good player and I had a few tussles with him last year as well.
“But hopefully Saturday is all about us and putting on a good performance from our point of view.
“We want to create the chances at the other end to pick up the three points, rather than worrying about them.”
Morris admitted he is just happy to be back fit and playing again after his nightmare time with injury.
However, unlike last season when he partnered the experienced Jarek Fojut, Morris is now the “old hand” playing alongside new additions Mark Durnan and Coll Donaldson.
Morris said: “I’m just delighted to be back.
“Pre-season was a nightmare as I only lasted four days. It was horrific.
“I had been wanting to start the season really well and obviously pre-season is a big part of that.
“But now I’m fit again and the gaffer has put me straight back in.
“My last game had been in April away to St Johnstone.
“I’ve since worked hard here behind the scenes and it’s all paid off. I’m feeling good now.
“Maybe with Jarek away, I’m giving a wee bit more advice to the likes of Mark Durnan.
“But Mark had some big games in the Championship, for example, against Rangers last season.
“He’s done well and it’s the same with young Coll.
“I’d like to think that I give people little hints here and there.
“On the whole, though, I think they’re all doing quite well.”
Morris admitted it was even tougher sitting in the stands when he was injured as United were struggling on the pitch.
However, he is now hoping that the victory over his old side Dunfermline will help the Tangerines kick on once again.
He added: “It’s tough when you’re sitting out injured.
“You just want to get back into the team to help them as soon as possible.
“I’m still confident in the squad we’ve got because quite a lot of our performances this season have been good.
“It’s just little things at either end has meant we’ve not collected that many points.
“But I think getting the three goals against Dunfermline even though they’re two leagues below us will help.
“It should stand us in good stead for Saturday and the rest of the season ahead.”
United will be without the injured Paul Paton, Chris Erskine and Paul Dixon but Mario Bilate will come into contention after recovering from his latest hamstring problem. Skipper Sean Dillon is also back after suspension.