Kane battles back to work Striker getting set for his injury return
Watching from the stand is not how Chris Kane wanted to start his season.
But the St Johnstone striker admits sitting out the early stages of this campaign due to injury has fuelled his motivation to return with a bang.
Kane has been working hard behind the scenes after picking up a problem in his calf/achilles region in July’s East Fife Betfred Cup clash.
The 23-year-old is expecting to be back fighting for a place in Tommy Wright’s team in the coming weeks after a frustrating month.
“I thought it was the achilles but when we checked it out it was where the bottom of my calf and top of achilles meet,”Kane said.
“It was a little bit tight but nothing I was worrying about. I did some runs after the East Fife game and felt it go a little.
“It’s very frustrating because I wanted to get as fit as I could and start the season off well.
“Sitting watching the boys, you know what you want to do - you want to be on the pitch playing with them.
“It’s football and you can’t get too down about it.
“You need to keep yourself motivated and make sure you are 100 per cent before you jump right back into training.
“It’s good having someone else to work with, but obviously you don’t want anyone being injured with you.
“I went on my holidays, came back in a wee bit early and did some work with the physio. Everything felt good and that was a bonus.
“It’s getting better now and I’ve started running. I joined in a bit of training on Monday.”
Being sidelined has allowed Kane to cast an eye over new Perth recruits in the early part of the season.
He has been impressed and said: “All of the new additions have been great. Drey Wright has been flying and Matty Kennedy and Tony Watt have done well.
“Matty and Drey on each side know the game and are quick and skilful.
“And Tony, I can learn a lot from him. He has played at the highest level and is a good finisher. I’m looking forward to playing with him.
“With the cup games at the start, everyone is finding out how each other play.
“But I thought we did well and kept a few clean sheets.
“The Kilmarnock game was not the result we wanted but I think we bounced back and showed against Hibs that we can play.”
Kane is well-placed to comment on this weekend’s Betfred Cup last 16 opponents having spent time on loan at Queen of the South.
He highlighted the class of Palmerston forward and former Saint Stephen Dobbie.
“A lot of the guys are still there and I’m surprised that I’ve not had any text messages,”Kane told the PA.
“They will be a tough side and have Stephen Dobbie who scores goals for fun. The defence is quite solid as well.
“Dobbie has ability and can read the game. He has skill too.
“He spoke to me every game I played with him and in training too. He took strikers for shooting drills every session and was a joy to work with.
“It’s a tough place to go but if we do what we do, then I’m sure we will go there and get a result.
“Hopefully the boys can get through and then I can get some game time and get a shot in the next round.”
Perth supporters will be hoping Saturday’s trip to Dumfries is more successful than their last.
Queen of the South ran out 2-0 winners in the Scottish Cup back in 2015.
Kane said:“It was myself and James McFadden up front but hopefully we don’t have that kind of result again.
“The Scottish Cup win showed what it meant for the fans and everyone at the club.
“This cup is the same . We want to go as far as we can. I don’t see why we can’t win it.”
Chris Kane is approaching a return from injury