Robinson’s season over but Gallacher may return for Saints

ST Johnstone loan defender Luke Robinson’s season is over.

The Wigan man has returned to his parent club after he tore cartilage in his knee on the Mcdiarmid Park training ground.

With Tony Gallacher unable to recover from a calf strain by last Saturday, the injury double whammy meant that Saints faced Aberdeen without a recognised left-back.

Manager Craig Levein is optimistic that Gallacher could be available for this weekend’s clash with Livingston. However, Robinson will now undergo a scan to determine the full extent of his injury.

“Luke’s had a little bit of a cartilage problem for most of the season,” said Levein. “Every now and then a bit would get caught in the joint and it would flare up. We’d have to watch it for a wee while. But he’s got a proper tear.

“It was a really innocuous change in direction on the training ground last week.

“He’s away back to Wigan to get scanned. We won’t see him before the end of the season. So that’s a bit a blow. But injuries are part of the game and I tend to be more philosophical about those things.

“We’ve got to try and think about the people who can do a job for us now.

“I feel for Luke, but I need to focus on who is available for us now.”

Levein added: “Tony had a niggle with his calf before the Hibs game. We had hoped to get him back for the Aberdeen match. Graham had to play there as we didn’t have anyone else left-sided. Fingers crossed with Tony for Livingston this weekend.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov picked up 11 trophies at Sunday’s POTY awards, and Levein side: “Dimi has been terrific in his performances and the awards are well deserved. He’s played to a very high standard and has got a strong voice in the dressing room, too.”

Saints loanee Luke Robinson in action against Celtic.