Stricken Saint Tam Scobbie has revealed he owes physio Michael McBride a debt of gratitude as he continues on the road to recovery.
The defender was an early season stand-out for St Johnstone but has been sidelined since the end of August after suffering medial ligament damage in training.
It was a massive blow for the full-back, particularly after he spent the tail end of last season fighting back from an ankle injury which curtailed the 2013/14 campaign, but Scobbie admitted McBride’s input has been invaluable as he strives to return to full fitness once more.
The 26-year-old does not yet have a timescale on when he will be able to make a comeback for Saints, although he hopes to have a better idea when he meets with his surgeon on Wednesday.
And speaking to Courier Sport, it emerged that surgery to rectify the problem might not have happened had it not been for new Perth physio McBride.
“Michael has been at some big clubs and away with Scotland, and he knows how bringing in a lad who is injured can lift his spirits,” he commented.
“The basic stuff can help get your head right and he has played a bigger part in getting me right than anybody.
“Initially we saw a surgeon who didn’t want to operate. He thought it would be fine in eight weeks. But Michael had worked with this surgeon when he was at Coventry and we asked for a second opinion.
“He took me down, got me settled and was there before and after the surgery. The surgeon tested me, looked at the scans and said the best thing for me would be to have surgery.
“Afterwards he said it wouldn’t have fixed itself. I’d have wasted a few months and missed pretty much the whole season, so I’m appreciative of the gaffer and Michael pressing for that second opinion.
“It was sore and stiff for the first couple of weeks after surgery but Michael has looked after me and it’s appreciated.
“I was in a brace but we are firmly on track because I have had a structured rehab programme.”
Despite injury keeping Scobbie away from first team action, the defender has kept himself close to the Saints squad as he and fellow long-term absentee Steven MacLean look forward to getting themselves back into contention.
“I’ve kept in amongst the boys in the dressing room and that has helped me and Steven MacLean,” he added.
“We travel together, we’re good mates and it’s good we can push each other on during the rehab. I know Macca mentioned 10 weeks recently, but I don’t have a timescale yet on getting back.
“Initially the surgeon had said three to four months and we will see how the knee has reacted to all Michael’s good work. It’s coming along fine so hopefully he will say it is the earlier date for getting back.
“I have a machine for helping with the exercises, designed to make sure the leg gets the bend it had before surgery.”
Saints boss Tommy Wright will be especially keen to find out when Scobbie will return, as the earlier three month estimate would fall before the end of the calendar year.
That might help Wright when it comes to any moves in the January transfer window, but Scobbie is just focused on the here and now.
“It was massively disappointing when the injury happened, especially after missing out on the Scottish Cup final last season after I needed ankle reconstruction work,” he continued.
“But I hope to come back stronger and fitter. It was hard to take but I have to view it as part and parcel of football.
“I came back from the ankle surgery and felt I was playing well at the start of the season. Then this happens.
“At least it’s happened towards the start of the season so once I am back I have a good few months to get back in the team and enjoy my football.
“It’s just a case of making sure I’m right when I do come back. It will be good to have myself and Macca back pushing for places.”