St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas feels the forthcoming free weekend will be more of a help than a hindrance to his squad as they look to maintain their recent momentum.
The Perth club have won their last four SPL fixtures but have had their progress halted by the international break, although Lomas is viewing the enforced lay-off in a positive light.
Losing striker Steven MacLean for an estimated six weeks following his dislocated elbow is just the latest example of how injuries have hit Lomas’ squad in the first few months of the campaign. So the manager hopes the short lull in action will give some of his other crocked stars a chance to recover.
”I would say the free weekend will be a help with our injury crisis, because that is the one worry all managers have,” he said. ”We have a very small squad and with 13 fit senior outfield players it just goes to show you where we’re at.
”You are never far away from your next crisis you’ve always got that noose hanging over you and we’re no different.
”To have six seniors off is a massive thing and obviously we’re hoping to maybe get a couple back.
”But as regards to Steven MacLean, he’ll be a while. We’re looking at it just now and if he can get back before the six weeks then great but we’ll just have to wait and see.
”That’s why you can never really rest on your laurels because you are never far away from an injury crisis.”
Players were put through their paces at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday but will be off for the next few days, with the likes of Rowan Vine, Paddy Cregg, Nigel Hasselbaink and Gregory Tade jetting off to spend some time with their families.
”It’s only right for them to go home and see their folks, freshen themselves up,” Lomas added. ”The boys will have a few days off with their families so, hopefully, they will come back Monday fresh and ready to go again.”
Suggestions Saints’ visit to Dundee United on Boxing Day will now have to be pushed back a day to December 27 to accommodate Dundee’s live game with Celtic have not gone down all that well with Lomas, although the Perth boss will get on with things as always if it is changed.
”I don’t think it’s ideal because the Boxing Day fixture is always a good fixture,” he said. ”I know it’s quite a hectic schedule this year. Last year wasn’t too bad, but I think it’s three games in six days this season.
”I’m all up for people going out to watch their Christmas football but when you have the likes of four games in nine days it’s a recipe for disaster.”