BETTER NEWS FOR TROUBLED MIDFIELDERS

Derek McInnes was the recipient of some promising news late yesterday afternoon when the latest medical opinions on midfielders Jody Morris and Martin Hardie were passed to him.

Morris was injured after being on the end of rash challenge at Dumfries two weeks ago and his initial outlook was for an absence of somewhere between six and eight weeks with the need for an operation not ruled out. However, scans taken this week seem to paint a rosier picture with any surgery deemed unlikely and perhaps a small amount of time being shaved off the anticipated absence period.

“It’s the best scenario within a bad situation I suppose” was how Derek McInnes described it to the Saints Official Website this morning.

Martin Hardie has been receiving injections on his troublesome injury – back and pelvis problems combining to restrict movement - and the good news is they appear to be having the desired effect.

The 32 year old hasn’t started a game since 20th December and although he managed a short appearance from the bench against Livingston three weeks ago he has subsequently been counted out of the games against QOS and Dundee.

Involvement in Saturday’s home game against Ross County will probably come too soon but his absence may not stretch too far beyond that.

Saints fans are reminded that after this Saturday’s game against County, we are away to Clyde next Tuesday evening with a 7.45pm kick off at Broadwood.