The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Cleanslate as defender aimstograb his chance
Watson out to impress after making timely return to squad
Injury-jinxed Keith Watson is ready to lend a helping hand as St Johnstone brace themselves for a fixture logjam.
The Perth defender had expected to extend his loan deal at Hartlepool through to the summer. But the Conference Premier side has been rocked by a cash crisis.
And with left-back Brian Easton braced for hernia surgery and a six-week lay-off, Saints manager Tommy Wright admits Watson’s return could prove timely.
Injury restricted the one-time Dundee United and St Mirren player to just three league starts at Perth before heading south.
But now Watson, 28, is back and ready to fight for a start with games coming thick and fast after the Scottish Cup clash with Albion Rovers twice fell victim to the weather.
“Hartlepool were keen to keep me but they weren’t allowed to sign any players because of the financial situation they find themselves in,” said Watson.
“I have had a chat with the gaffer here and he has said that with Easty out injured he needs me for cover.
“The manager has said it is a clean slate and I know if I get my chance I have to grab it with both hands.
“You never know what will happen in football. There is a week left of the transfer window but I am training and working hard in practice matches to impress the gaffer and get into his head.
“I played nine times for Hartlepool and scored three goals, including a double against Gateshead after I had picked up another injury.
“That was in stoppage time against Leyton Orient and I feared my knee had gone again. I did panic a bit but it felt different at the time and it turned out to be a fracture at the top of my fibia.
“Because of my history with knee problems I actually felt relieved it was just a fracture.
“It was just a freak one going into a 50-50 and I came off worst. It was a bit of a nightmare because I had been doing well.
“It was an impact injury this time and Hartlepool looked after me well.
“I got back for three games over the Christmas period before returning to St Johnstone so I am fit and ready to come back in.
“There are a lot of fixtures coming up and I’m sure the manager will use the full squad.
“Hopefully I can get game time to show what I can do.
“I scored against Celtic here and I always seem to pop up with a few goals. I believe I can cause havoc in opposition boxes but right now the priority has to be getting time on the pitch.
“I played around 30 games at St Mirren and picked up player of the year awards. But it has been frustrating for me since coming to St Johnstone.
“Hopefully that will all change and I can contribute during the second half of the season.”