I’m joined at the hip to Saints

Dave Mackay’s name will be etched forever in St Johnstone folklore after he lifted the Scottish Cup in 2014.

But for the first time in his seven-year association with the Perth club, he now faces a challenge just to get himself on to Tommy Wright’s team-sheet.

A hip problem that curtailed him last season will also mean he’s absent from the start of this one. And at 36, Mackay admits he might only have a couple of years left at the top.

But such is his affiliation with Saints, the defender says when he does hang up his boots, he’s determined to help develop the club’s young players.

Mackay said: “I had my hip done in March and I’ve had a couple of wee setbacks. It’s frustrating because until a year ago I hadn’t had any bad injuries in my career, just the odd muscle pull.

“I’ve missed five months now but I just have to get on with it. It can be a lonely time. But I’ve been lucky not to have any long-term injuries.

“Some players seem to go through it year after year, like my pal James McPake who has been plagued with problems.

“You need great mental strength to cope, and to get into the gym and work hard. I always thought I’d struggle but you have to keep going.

“I’m not worrying about it. I might have to stop playing but I’m not dying!

“Quitting is not something to be scared of, I know it’s coming in the near future. Whether it’s this year, next, or hopefully another couple, I’m not sure.

“I’ve done my ‘A’ licence but with coaching, you need a chance. A lot of old pros are trying to get in. I’m trying to get fit but if the worst case scenario happens and I can’t play, it would be good to work with the younger boys at St Johnstone.”