St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes has paid tribute to defender Steven Anderson, who has clocked up 200 games for Perth club.
The former Dundee United man celebrated reaching the milestone by helping Saints to a 2-1 win at Rugby Park on Saturday, despite being unfortunate with an own goal for Killie’s equaliser.
The 26-year-old hasn’t always been a regular starter in his seven years at McDiarmid Park, but according to McInnes one thing has always been a constant a ”sheer will to win”.
He said: ”I’ve known Ando since he was a boy at United. One thing that’s never changed with him is that he’s a real competitor.
”He trains the same way as he plays in matches he just wants to keep the ball out of his net. It’s a great quality for a defender to have.
”Sometimes that competitiveness means he picks up bookings and red cards, but I think he’s getting better in that regard.
”He’ll always have that sheer will to win, but he’s learned to channel that aggression. He’s still in his mid-20s and good centre-halves get better as they get older. That’s what’s happening with Ando.”
He added: ”There’s a lot of experience which has been picked up playing 200 games at a good level.
”I feel that he’s improved his consistency over the last couple of seasons and he’s a really good pro to work with, and a valuable member of our squad.
”Ando’s not the type of player who gets the headlines but it’s a great achievement to get to 200 matches and we’re sure he’ll keep improving.”
Anderson partnered Dave Mackay in the heart of the Saints backline at Rugby Park and McInnes revealed his reasoning for leaving out fellow centre-back David McCracken for that match.
He said: ”Cracks has had hamstring problems so we just felt that, with that in mind, three games in six days might have been a bit much for him.”
Callum Davidson had been out for several weeks with a calf injury but he completed the full 90 minutes in Ayrshire and has not suffered any reaction to his comeback.
McInnes said: ”Callum used all his experience on Saturday and did a great job. He looks after himself really well and worked hard to get back.
”The heavy pitch was a bit of a concern for Callum’s calf but he’s fine.”
David Robertson picked up a hamstring injury and he will be assessed over the course of the week.
Hearts’ defeat of Celtic on Sunday meant Saints’ occupancy of fourth spot was brief, but the SPL table still has a healthy look about it for those of a Perth persuasion.
Nobody at McDiarmid is getting too carried away with their excellent start to the season, however.
McInnes said: ”It was great to go into the international break with another away win. We’re in a good position at the moment with 15 points won, but we know things can change quickly in football.
”There are a few points we were frustrated at dropping, such as against Hibs, but every manager will say likewise.”
He added: ”It’s only after Christmas that the table really takes shape, and I’d be saying the same thing if we hadn’t started the season as well as we have.”