Tanser returns despite fearing season was over
SCOTT TANSER thought his season was over after an awkward fall against Aberdeen on Boxing Day.
Television replays showed the defender’s leg bend in an unnatural manner and manager Callum Davidson admitted at full- time that the Englishman could be out for some time. In a miraculous turn of fortunes a scan revealed that Tanser only suffered slight bruising to his knee and there was no ligament damage sustained. As a precaution, the 26- year- old sat out St Johnstone’s previous two outings, but he is set to return against Dundee United today.
“Honestly, when it happened I just felt my knee buckle and it clicked and I thought ‘ oh no what is going on here’,” he said.
“I honestly thought that was it for the season. I watched it back and it looked even worse than I remember. Nine times out of 10 that is a serious injury, but on this occasion I am going to count myself very lucky that I’m not out for a long period.
“I’ve never really had a serious injury so I’m hoping that continues.”
Meanwhile, Micky Mellon hopes Dundee United can produce a fitting tribute to Jim McLean today – but he stressed they will always strive for the standards the former manager set. United host St Johnstone in the first match at Tannadice since the death of their longserving former manager and chairman was announced on Boxing Day.
The club have produced an 80- page tribute programme, the players will warm up in special T- shirts which will later be auctioned off, and their prematch coverage will be devoted to McLean’s legacy.
The club will donate half the proceeds to Alzheimer Scotland and have asked fans at home to join in applause in the 83rd minute to mark the year McLean’s team won the title.
Mellon said: “We will give Jim McLean the day because it’s the first game back here since he sadly passed away.
“Jim McLean’s impact on Dundee United will always be felt. We will build our own version of that with those principles and values, so I am pleased we are going to be able to do that on Saturday.”