Keith Watson got his fitness back before the January break.
And the St Johnstone defender will be trying to get his first team place back after it.
The former Dundee United and St Mirren man has had a frustrating beginning to his Perth career.
After getting some early-season Betfred Cup action under his belt, a thigh injury sidelined Watson for several months.
The last few weeks have seen him build up his fitness in the under-20s and he has been a substitute in the Premiership.
And the next step will be first team action.
“It’s been great to be back involved again,” he said. “Even if has been on the bench. It has been a huge boost to my morale.
“It is awful sitting in the stand. I have been out a long time and it has been really frustrating.
“The break has come at the wrong time for me. After being out for a few months I just wanted the games to keep coming.
“I have had a break I didn’t want because of injury so it wouldn’t bother me to be in training.
“But the boys have worked really hard over the first half of the season and they have done so well. They deserve their wee break and they can chill for a few days.”
Watson added: “I’m just happy to be back fit and looking forward to training again in the build-up to the cup game with Stenhousemuir.
“Hopefully I can get some game time under my belt after the break.”
When Watson picked up the thigh injury there was no indication that it was going to turn out to be a serious problem.
He recalled: “I actually got a good pre-season after signing up and played in the friendlies, and against Elgin in the Betfred Cup.
“But it was during that game I first felt my thigh. I didn’t think it was too serious at the time. I was told it was a strain but 10 days later I came back and it was worse.
“I came back again and it still wasn’t right. It’s the first thigh injury I’ve ever had and hopefully it is the last.
“But things are looking up now and I am getting fitter and fitter with each session. I have had a few under-20 games so I am ready to go now if the gaffer needs me.
“I don’t want to just settle for being on the bench. But I know it is tough right now breaking into the team because we have been doing so well. I just have to bide my time for my chance. I have to be ready.
“I still haven’t played at McDiarmid and the fans have probably forgotten all about me. But hopefully I can kick on now.”
