MANAGER DELIGHTED AT PAIR'S RETURN TO ACTION

The players are gearing up for Saturday’s home match against Partick Thistle and Manager Derek McInnes hopes to have all bar two of his squad of players involved in today’s training session.

The two exceptions are Kevin Moon and Colin Samuel although the young midfielder has not been ruled out of Saturday’s game.

Derek explains “Kevin has not trained all week as he is getting pain in the shoulder and neck area which we are treating at the moment. He may well still be fit for Saturday but it is a bit frustrating for him coming so soon after getting back into the side. Collin has done a lot of running this week and I would hope to see him step that up next week to something approaching full training.”

The Manager was frustrated at the late call-off of Tuesday’s planned Reserve League Cup game against East Fife but managed to quickly arrange a closed door game against Forfar Athletic. Peter MacDonald and Andy Jackson scored in a 2-0 win but it was the involvement of Jody Morris (pictured) and Kevin James in the game which pleased the Saints gaffer most.

“Jody played the full 90 minutes and Kevin got 65 minutes so that was very pleasing. These guys will not be rushed back so we just have to see how they react to the run out and take things from there.”

Andy Jackson suffered a slight ankle knock in that bounce game but should be fit for the visit of Thistle.

Supporters should note that there will be a one minute silence immediately prior to kick-off on Saturday as a mark of respect for Charlie McFadyen, the club’s second top appearance maker, who passed away last week.