MacKenzie delighted to be back in McInally’s plans at Blue Toon

PETERHEAD veteran Gary MacKenzie is delighted to be back fit after a turbulent start to his Blue Toon career.

MacKenzie, 35, who counts Rangers, Dundee, Blackpool and St Mirren among his former clubs, made his return in the second half of Saturday’s 1-0 League One loss to Forfar Athletic at Balmoor.

The imposing defender’s communication and reading of the game allowed Peterhead to pin back the visitors, although they couldn’t convert any of the chances they created.

MacKenzie was forced off with concussion as Peterhead lost their league opener at Airdrie in October. The road back grew longer when MacKenzie then rolled his ankle in training.

He said: “It’s been a bit frustrating, but it’s good to be back – although I’m obviously pretty disappointed with the result.”

MacKenzie’s absence has coincided with injuries to both hamstrings suffered by midfielder Simon Ferry, which have also restricted the 32-year-old to just two League One appearances.

With two of his most experienced players out, Peterhead boss Jim McInally has had to rely on a relatively young crop so far this term, with mixed results, the Blue Toon managing two wins from their opening six games.

In the aftermath of the painful loss to struggling Forfar, which followed a 1-0 home win over Dumbarton, McInally bemoaned the lack of intensity.

MacKenzie, who thinks the younger players in the Peterhead squad mustn’t rely on the likes of Ferry and himself to guide them through matches, said: “That’s what the gaffer’s got us for – experience – and it’s disappointing we’ve been out at the same time. If me or Simon can’t play on Saturday against Falkirk, people need to step up.”

Gary MacKenzie (left) is back to fitness.