Paul McGowan has revealed he expects to be back in Dark Blue soon.
Injured in May’s “Doon derby”, McGowan has undergone an extensive exercise programme following reconstruction work on his shoulder.
The 28-year-old admits things have been tough, but insists he is certain he will be back on the pitch sooner rather than later.
“The first couple of weeks were tough,” said McGowan.
“I was in a lot of pain with my shoulder.
“I hit the same nerve four years ago and it’s pretty much the same operation.
“The pain I’ve been in has been unbearable at times.
“I started my exercises after about three weeks and everything has been going great since.
“Gerry says that I’m ahead of schedule.
“I went to see a specialist a week and a half ago and he was of the same opinion, so it’s looking good.”
With the Dark Blue’s first competitive match taking place on July 16 in the newly formatted League Cup, McGowan feels the trip to East Fife will likely come too soon for him.
He is, though, determined to help  his side improve on last year’s eight place finish.
Having won the League Cup with St Mirren in 2013, Â the 28-year-old is hoping his current side can enjoy similar success.
He said: “The  League Cup game will probably come a bit too soon.
“I was devastated when the injury happened 16 minutes into the United game.
“Those are the games you love to play in, but thankfully the boys got the win.
“We know how good we can be.
“The frustrating thing is that we need too go on  a run, be consistent, and win three, four, five games in a row.
“We need to be harder to beat.
“With the team we have we need to be pushing for the top six.”
McGowan continued: “If we said it was just about survival we would be kidding ourselves on.
“It’s going to be a  tough season and the players will need to mentally tough to handle it.
“When I won the League Cup with St Mirrren it was one of the best moments of my career.
“The atmosphere in the town was incredible.
“Hopefully we can go far in the cups this year.”
