St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright remains hopeful that he will have goalkeeper Alan Mannus available for selection when Hibs come to visit this weekend.
Mannus was hurt in the latter stages of Saints’ 0-0 draw at Kilmarnock last month and has been sidelined ever since with a shoulder injury, although his recovery is said to be going well.
So well, in fact, that Mannus may make a return at McDiarmid Park on Saturday, more than a week ahead of schedule.
“Alan’s coming on great he’s started to increase the intensity of his work,” Wright revealed.
“I’m delighted with the progress he’s made and he’s probably seven to 10 days ahead of where I thought he would be, which is excellent.
“We’ll just monitor it as the week goes on and then decide. One, he’ll have to be 100% with his injury, and two, he’ll have to feel he’s ready.
“He’s been pain free for a while, his strength is good on it, so it will be one that we will make a decision on later in the week.”
Wright should know better today how Mannus has reacted to training this week, although the Saints boss is well aware that he has had an able deputy to call upon in the shape of Steve Banks.
The 41-year-old was signed as a player coach and has impressed between the sticks in
Mannus’ absence, meaning Wright could have a selection headache on his hands if the Northern Irish international does declare himself available.
“There’s no need to rush and take risks, and that’s why it’s good we’ve had a full week to make that decision,” Wright continued.
“I’ll assess it and see who I think is the best for the next game. But if it is the case where Alan does come straight back, he does know that he’s going to have to perform because Banksy has proved he can still play at this level which, again, I didn’t think there was any doubt that he could.”
Saints will continue their preparations for Saturday’s game against Hibs at Stirling University today and Wright reckons the Edinburgh side could be a tough proposition despite a relatively poor start to the SPFL Premiership season.
“I still think they have a good squad and they were one of the few clubs who were able to go and strengthen,” he added.
“They brought a few in on deadline day Paul Heffernan is a good player and I’ve always liked him. We know it’s going to be a difficult game.”