David Robertson hasn’t given up hope on his dream of playing for St Johnstone again this season after suffering the worst injury of his career
The midfielder came on as a late substitute during a game against Hibs in November at McDiarmid Park but went in for an innocuous challenge and ended up being stretchered off in agony.
A visit to the local hospital soon confirmed the player’s worse fears that his leg was broken and he would require an operation to repair the damage.
Now, after a physically and mentally-draining period of rehab, Robertson is set to take his first tentative steps on the road back to full fitness and a hoped-for return to action before the end of the current campaign. He said: “The injury just happened in one of those tackles that you do every day in training.”
“It was just a block tackle but my leg seemed to wrap around his and I came off worse,” explained Robertson.
“Right away, I knew it was broken and I was in agony. To be honest, I was in so much pain that I don’t even remember who the Hibs player was.
“It is by far and away the worst injury I have ever suffered. I had never broken a bone before and in fact, I have never had to come off injured in a game prior to that.
“It was my tibula that was fractured which if there is such a thing, is actually a good break.I then had a rod and two bolts inserted in my leg during an operation at Perth Royal Infirmary.
“The rehab has been tough but it has gone very well. I was back in the pool two weeks after my op and then on to the bike. I haven’t had any bad injuries to compare it to but I seem to be a quick healer, thankfully.
“Touch wood, everything has gone smoothly but it has been mentally tough.
“You are stuck in the gym and the pool for the first two months. I had Jamie Adams, who is also out long-term, for company but it really makes you appreciate how much you miss the simple things you normally take for granted.
“I warmed up with the rest of the lads for the first time last week since my injury and it was just great to be back in that environment again.
“My general fitness isn’t too bad with all the work I have done in the gym and pool and I am now looking to kick on in the next week and get back running and passing.
“I have a long way to go before I am back to full fitness but I would love to make an appearance for Saints before the end of the season. That would be a dream come true for me.
“I am out of contract this summer but I have spoken briefly with the chairman and he said he just wanted me to concentrate on getting back to playing and we will take things from there.”