St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright is set to have a big selection headache if goalie Alan Mannus successfully comes through training on Friday.
Veteran Steve Banks has done well between the sticks in the last three games after first-choice keeper Mannus suffered a shoulder injury against Kilmarnock last month.
The Northern Ireland international has made a quicker than expected recovery to play himself in to contention for Saturday’s game against Hibs at McDiarmid Park.
However, no matter which stopper Wright ultimately opts for, he is fully confident they will produce a top-drawer display.
He said: “We will assess Alan again after Friday’s session before making a decision on who will be in goal for the Hibs game.
“He has been working extremely hard and it has given me something to think about. But so has Banksy to be fair because he has done well since coming in.
“If there is any doubt about Alan, if he is less than 100%, then I will go with Banksy. It means I don’t have to rush Alan back or take any unnecessary risks. That’s the good thing.
“If Alan plays, then it is because he is ready. David Robertson also got 45 minutes in the 4-1 U20 win over Aberdeen at Peterhead in midweek. It means we are sitting with pretty much a fully fit squad after the international break.”
That break gave the St Johnstone players a chance to recharge their batteries but Wright admitted he is relieved to finally have a game to look forward to again.
His squad were really put through their paces this week and he is now demanding that they continue to build on their fine form at McDiarmid Park so far this season.
He said: “We are looking forward to getting going again. It seems an eternity since the last game. We gave the lads a bit of time off but we have worked extra hard this week.
“I’d like to continue our good home form and build on what I regard as an excellent point at Aberdeen.”
The Hibs squad that will arrive in Perth tomorrow, of course contains two Saints old boys in the shape of Liam Craig and Rowan Vine who joined the Easter Road club in the summer.
And Wright believes there could be a mixed reception for pair from the home fans.
He said: “Obviously Liam was here for a lot longer than Rowan.
“The fact that Viney made a comment or two after his move to Hibs might mean he gets the odd boo here and there, but I fully appreciate what he brought to the club during his spell here.
“Liam of course made a massive contribution over more than five years. Personally I was sad to see him leave. It was a concern when we were losing his goals from midfield.
“He was a great lad to work with and a really good professional. He never ever gave less than 100% and he brought a fair bit of quality and a genuine goal threat which we will have to be wary of this weekend.”