St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson is hopeful that injured outfield trio Murray Davidson, Chris Kane and John Robertson will soon be available.
The importance of all-action Davidson to the Saints midfield needs no explaining, Kane’s ability to bring other players into the game will be an important asset in the new-look Perth side and Robertson has made a big impression on his boss in pre-season.
Along with keeper Zander Clark, who is recovering from a knee injury, they all missed the season-opener against Dundee United.
But there was an optimistic update from McDiarmid Park yesterday.
“Murray has a little Achilles problem,” Davidson reported. “He has a bit of inflammation which we are waiting to settle down.
“Chris Kane has had a niggle with his calf so hasn’t played in pre-season. We can’t rush him back in with a calf injury but he’s feeling good and hopefully he’ll be back soon.
“We need to make sure he’s right because he offers something different to our other strikers. There are aspects of the game he has to improve on and he knows that, but he’s someone I’m keen to get back.
“Murray is the same. He gives us real energy in the middle of the park so hopefully he’ll be back soon enough.
“John Robertson will be back training at some point this week hopefully.
“He’d done well in pre-season but got an unlucky one rolling his ankle in training. We thought it was worse at the time but he’s a quick healer and it’s got a lot better in the last few days.”