Timely boost for Saints captain

Dave Mackay’s hip operation has been a success, and the St Johnstone captain could be back earlier than had been feared, writes Eric Nicolson.

The recovery period for the former Dundee and Livingston man is expected to be four months, which will give him a good chance of being ready for the start of next season.

Manager Tommy Wright reported: “The operation has gone well and, with the work that has been done, the surgeon expects him to be out for four months.

“Initially we feared there might have been more required and that could have meant a sixmonth wait to get David back.

“But now we are expecting him to be ready for the start of next season.

“It is a big boost for him and for us.

“We waited for the surgery because we wanted a second opinion from a specialist. That maybe cost him two weeks but in the grand scheme of things it was the right call.

“He is home now and on crutches for a couple of weeks. As with any serious operation you have to tread carefully initially. That is what we will do. It will be a slow process but we want to make sure he is ready for the start of next season.”

Meanwhile, Chris Millar and Brian Easton are both in contention for tomorrow night’s rearranged clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Dave Mackay: operation.