MacLean finally heeds doctor’s advice

St Johnstone forward Steven MacLean does not argue any more when he is told he is not playing on artificial pitches.

The former Aberdeen forward has not been risked on artificial surfaces for the last couple of seasons under medical advice. He used to rail against it, but now MacLean is in no doubt both his doctor’s and his manager’s orders won’t be changing.

“I don’t even think about it thesedays,” he said a head of his return to the team against Ross County.

“I know I won’t be playing on artificial pitches. The manager didn’t even speak to me this time. I used to argue with him, but lastweek he was asking me if I was coming to watch the game.

“Because it was a quick turnaround after the Aberdeen game it didn’t feel so bad.”

Watching his teammates get an away point certainly helped ease MacLean’s frustrations in the stand at Hamilton.

He said: “It ended up a decent second-half performance and a decent point, especially as we’d playedon Thursday night.

“Yes, we wanted to win, but we were happy to take a point. It says a lot that it was us who were pushing for the win at the end. We’re a fit bunch. It shows character as well. That’s one thing that will never be questioned in this squad.”

Saints did not manage to move into second position on Sunday but maintained momentum with the come from behind late draw.

The Perth men face Ross County away today in what is one of the toughest challenges of the season.

“It’s been a good start,” MacLean said. “We were a bit unfortunate in the League Cup but we’ve picked up some good results in the league.

“If we can win at County it will be an even better start.”