Saints stopper back from injury
The St Johnstone back line is set for a boost as manager Tommy Wright revealed Liam Gordon is soon to return after nearly two months out.
Perth centre-back Gordon (23) has been out for seven weeks since twisting his leg in training at the beginning of October.
It could draw to an end a terrible run of luck in recent times for the young stopper, who also broke his arm in training which sidelined him at the start of this season.
Manager Wright said although Gordon would not be fit to feature in Sunday’s clash with Aberdeen at McDiarmaid Park, his return is a huge positive. Wright said: “Liam has been doing a fair bit of work and we are hoping to have him back in full training in the middle of the week.
“The original plan was he would be back for the Kilmarnock game but if everything comes along fine then he should return for Motherwell.”
Gordon’s return comes at a time when reports are linking the club with a move for a new centre-back, namely former Hibs and Celtic defender Efe Ambrose.
However, Wright moved to downplay the link and any new arrivals before January.
“I said we would be looking at experienced defenders to add to the squad so it’s no surprise that we are linked with people,” he said.
“If you bring someone else in they have to be fit because there is no point bringing someone in and it taking them a few weeks to get fit.
“So if someone was coming in, then they’d have to be ready to go within seven to 10 days.”
The St Johnstone boss also spoke about fears over a potential Premiership fixture logjam.
The Perth club already face carrying forward clashes with Rangers and Celtic.
And potential free dates will be squeezed if the Old Firm continue to advance in the Europa League.
“I attend all the meetings they have with the managers and they always tell us it’s not feasible for many moves because the fixture list has no wriggle room in it,” said Wright.
“We already have two games to fit in after January because Rangers and Celtic are in the Betfred Cup final.
“So if another one was moved, that would be three games extra and two still to rearrange.
“Given what they tell us about the fixture list, I don’t see how that can happen.
“I want to see Scottish clubs do well in Europe. But there is a major problem with the fixture list.
“What we have is stop-start from August through to this week and then a mad dash in December.
“It doesn’t feel like the season really starts properly until this round of international games are out of the way.
“Then once the Christmas period is over, you have the winter break.
“I think we have something like five games in 12 days after the break.
“Do we really need to have a winter break? That’s something the clubs would have to decide.”