NO QUICK RETURN FOR ANDO

There will be no quick return to first team action for defender Steven Anderson as he continues the healing process of the thumb he dislocated against Partick Thistle last month.

Initial indications indicated an eight week absence but hopes were high that ‘quick healer’ Ando might be back before that. However, further visits to a specialist have confirmed there will be no short-cut to recovery.

Manager Tommy Wright says: “It’s a minimum of eight weeks and possibly beyond that. It’s worse than we initially thought and the report from the specialist, who is the top man in his field, is pretty blunt. His hand is to remain in a cast and because of the complicated nature of the operation he underwent there is no prospect of it being any sooner.”

The Saints gaffer continues to run the rule over French-born defender Sanel Jahic who he may view as temporary cover in Anderson’s continuing absence.

Meanwhile, a short-term loan move for goalkeeper Zander Clark looks likely with Queen of the South needing goalkeeping cover following an injury to one of their keepers.