BRIAN BACK IN BUSINESS Defender’s first game in over a year after injury nightmare
miss it so much. Even in the reserve game on Monday, being in the changing room and lining-up on the pitch before kick-off, you get the buzz that you miss.
“We had a good team out and put in a good shift, so it was an enjoyable game to be a part of.
“I probably felt better than I thought I was going to after the game. I’m quite happy with where the fitness is.
“I’ve still got a bit to go to get to the level needed for first-team games.
“There were a few good testing moments on Monday which I came through fine, which is really good mentally for confidence.
“I was happy with my performance but mainly just to get 45 minutes and come out of it feeling good.”
Easton was nearing a return to Brian Easton played for Saints reserves, his first action in over a year, and is now targeting the first team
action on numerous occasions in recent months before his progress was stalled.
But he is feeling better than ever about it and said: “When you start playing you can’t help yourself from getting back into the normal way you play, flying into tackles and sprinting.
“There’s always a few little things on your mind in the last few months. With the time you are out for, you get worried about different wee feelings. But the more you train and play, the confidence grows.
“I’m feeling more confident than I have ever felt about it and I think that will continue to get better.
“You don’t want to get too far ahead of yourself but this is the furthest I’ve been and best I’ve felt.
“I’m still taking it day by day and looking after myself. I won’t get carried away. The next stage is another reserve game and getting more time in the bank. The way things are just now I can afford to feel good.”
The 30-year-old will again be watching from the stand for this weekend’s trip to face Rangers at Ibrox but he hopes to play a part in the run-in.
“It’s still frustrating and difficult to watch games because you want to be there,” he said. “But you can’t let the emotions take over.
“We’re still right in amongst it for top six and there are a lot of games to be played. There’s work still to do.
“If I can get myself close to that and help out in any way I can, then that’s going to be great.”
Easton added: “It was a difficult enough injury in itself but it would be a lot harder in a different changing room.
“All of the boys have been brilliant in supporting me as has the gaffer and staff.
“Even after my first game back on Monday, all the boys were buzzing and I was getting texts from those who weren’t there.
“Everyone is delighted for me getting back out on the pitch. That sums up St Johnstone and the way we are as a team.”
St Johnstone Women, meanwhile, play their first home game of the season on Sunday afternoon.
Jason McCrindle’s side welcome Glasgow Girls to McDiarmid Park after opening up with a 1-1 draw away at Dundee United last week.
Kick-off in Perth is 4pm.