Goalkeeper Alan Main is determined to play through the pain barrier to take part in his testimonial against Manchester United.
On Thursday it was revealed that the English giants would provide the glamour opposition for the game at McDiarmid Park on July 31.
And despite suffering from a broken hand which is in plaster at the moment, the 42-year-old Saints legend insists he will win his race against time to take his place between the sticks against the Red Devils’ XI.
He said, “This is as good as it gets and it is absolutely brilliant news. They do not come any bigger than Manchester United. It’s an exciting prospect for me and for Saints supporters.
“Nothing is going to stop me playing certainly not a broken hand. When the cast comes off, I start rehab and I have already been out running.”
He added, “It will be a special occasion all round. I’m glad it is a glamour game for the fans and it will give me a chance to say goodbye properly.”
Main was injured in a training ground accident towards the end of the season, putting paid to his hopes of ending his Saints career in an SPL game .
He admitted it was a massive blow, adding, “I was on a real downer after chipping the bone and damaging ligaments in my hand in training.
“I had been working hard and was ready for my first-team chance.”
Main was released by Saints boss Derek McInnes last month but is determined to continue playing and hopes the Manchester United game could persuade another club that he can still do the business.Looking for clubHe said, “I’m on the look-out for a club and I want to be ready.
“This game could help my chances if nothing has been sorted out by July.”
Main also revealed he missed out on a chance to play for Aberdeen in his youth when they were managed by a certain Alex Ferguson.
He said, “I was at Pittodrie on trial for a week when Sir Alex was the manager.
“I was a youngster at Elgin at the time and got my chance Sir Alex didn’t sign me but this makes up for it!”
Main also thanked McInnes for changing his pre-season plans to take on the testimonial game.
He said, “The manager has been very accommodating. I owe him a massive thank you. Hopefully, the game will provide the ideal test for Saints as they work towards the new season.”
Meanwhile Saints have announced details of the rest of their early pre-season schedule.
The club will travel to face newly-promoted Forfar at Station Park on Saturday, July 17.
The following Wednesday, July 21, they will play Arbroath at Gayfield.
Like last pre-season, the squad will then head to Northern Ireland for five days, with two games against Lisburn Distillery and Dungannon Swifts on Tuesday, July 27, and Thursday, July 29, respectively.