Anders races the clock

Wing king battles to shake off virus in time for trip to Edinburgh

St Mirren ace Anders Dreyer faces a race to be fit for Saturday’s showdown with Hearts.

The Danish winger, 20, was missing from last weekend’s draw against Aberdeen having suffered with a virus throughout the week.

And although he returned to training on Monday morning, the on- loan Brighton man is up against the clock to be available for Tynecastle.

Saints boss Oran Kearney explained: “Anders had a virus all last week and then he had an abscess in his mouth so he was off his feet for a good 10 days. He hasn’t really had much luck.

“He returned to training on Monday morning and we eased him into it, and got a wee sweat up to put him through his paces.

“He did half a session on Tuesday as well to get him back up to speed and see how he got on.

“We will see how he responds the rest of the week and fingers crossed he will be available for selection come Saturday.”

Kearney also provided an update on defender Gary MacKenzie, who has managed to get another week of full training under his belt.

He added: “Gary did half a session on Tuesday. He is getting there and it is coming together nicely.

“We just half to be very careful with him and see what happens.”

St Mirren head back to Tynecastle this Saturday for the first time since Alan Stubbs’ sacking as Buddies boss back in September.

A 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Jambos proved to be the death knell for Stubbs, who was axed the following Monday following just one win in four.

The Buddies have continued to struggle but Kearney is hopeful the business done in January will signal the start of a much-needed turnaround.

Last weekend’s draw at Pittodrie was just the latest in a line of improved displays, and Kearney is adamant he has seen positive signs.

He added: “I think it has been a trait the last month or so that we are getting better and looking more dangerous.

“We look after the ball better and our possession stats in recent weeks have shown that to be the case.

“I know you need to put the ball in the back of the net but against Motherwell we had something like 69 per cent of play.

“We are starting to find our feet all of a sudden and that is encouraging.

“It has been excellent and we are moving in the right direction.”