St Johnstone’s Chris Millar has revealed he may not be so gung-ho in training any more to ensure he is fit and ready to go on match days.
The 32-year-old midfielder enjoyed what he regards as his best ever campaign last season but this one has been blighted by a recurring hamstring problem.
Millar admitted he has taken advice from Saints assistant manager Callum Davidson about the situation as he is just desperate to play his part in a side that has won six out of their last seven matches.
He said: “It has been a frustrating time for me.
“Fingers crossed I will be involved in the squad for the weekend game against Kilmarnock.
“If this week goes well, I will be available for selection rather than having to wait until after the international break.
“I know my body well enough and I had to step off a bit because the hamstring just wasn’t ready to push it in training.
“But the rehab has gone well now.
“That is three times this season I have broken down and it is a wee bit worrying. But it is more mental than anything. It’s in the back of your head.
“I spoke about it with Callum. He picked up muscle niggles in his career and we are tailoring my training a bit more.
“I am the sort who goes at it 100% on the training field. Sometimes you can overdo it. So maybe I have to ease off on the intensity to make sure I am ready for the Saturday.
“I had my best ever season last year so that makes it even more frustrating.
“I just want to get in and help the team. But the lads have been doing really well and I know the longer I am out, the more difficult it will be to get back in so that is spurring me on as well.
“I want to be right when I come back in.”
Millar last featured for Saints back on September 26 against Dundee United and while he has been a frustrated spectator in the stands, he admits he has been enjoying watching his team-mates.
And he believes this is the most prolific goal-scoring side he has been involved with since he joined the club back in 2008.
He added: “Results have been excellent. We have won at difficult away grounds and we have been scoring plenty of goals. There is a really good spirit in the camp.
“This is the most free-scoring team I have played in. We aren’t just relying on goals from one player, like maybe we did with Stevie May, or Fran Sandaza before that.
“Macca (Steven MacLean) has been brilliant, Graham (Cummins) scored another two at Hamilton and Mikey (O’Halloran) has been the star man for us this season. Midfielders have also been chipping in.
“Confidence is a massive part of it. Chances are coming along and lads are taking them.
“There are more goals in the team with the players that have come in and others growing in confidence.”