Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Davidson’s first game back could be cup-tie against Dark Blues
MURRAY Davidson’s St Johnstone comeback is likely to take place after the international break rather than before it.
The Perth side has one match to play before the Premiership is paused for the post-split fixtures.
Manager Callum Davidson believes Saints’ schedule, combined with his team’s impressive form, affords him the luxury of being “cautious” with the former Livingston man’s recovery from a calf injury.
As such, the Scottish Cup clash with Dundee on April 3 would appear to be a more realistic target for the ex-Scotland international, who hasn’t played since limping off at Ibrox in early February.
“The wee break has been good for a few of the lads with niggling injuries,” said boss Davidson.
“Shaun (Rooney) and Craig (Bryson) are back fit and (young goalkeeper) Ross (Sinclair) is progressing well from surgery on his hand.
“Murray won’t be pushed to make the Ross County game.
“We would like Muzz available for these types of games but we have options in that area of the park.
“There’s the international weekend coming up so that gives us more time.
“We are probably being a little bit cautious with Murray and aiming at the first game after the split for him coming back into the squad.
“The last thing we want to do is push him too hard and risk him missing the rest of the season.”
Saints know they need to beat Ross County on Saturday to have any chance of top-six football in the last few weeks of the season.
Even if the St Mirren result against Hamilton Accies means they fall on the wrong side of the split-line, the victory would banish any lingering prospect of the teams below dragging them back into the drop-zone equation.