Published: Friday, 25th July, 2008 12:00
Ready when you are boss
By David Christie
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Pic by: Douglas Hendry
CLUB captain Stewart Greacen has told boss Davie Irons to count him in for a pop at the Saints.
The towering defender has been out for five and a half weeks following a hernia operation, but he is desperate to make his return and would jump at the chance if Irons gives him the nod tomorrow.
Greacen will meet with the surgeon next Wednesday to get the all clear for a return to full training, but he would relish any run-out against St Mirren.
He said: “The last two days I have done training with the rest of the guys and there has been no real reaction.
“There is a bit of soreness but that is to be expected for the first few weeks.
“Now it is a case of getting some match sharpness. If training goes well today and there is no reaction then hopefully I can play some part in the game, it would be great to get some match time under my belt that’s for sure.
“To make an appearance against St Mirren would be just ideal as it is as close to a competitive match as you’ll ever get pre-season.”
Ton boss Irons has faced a pre-season defensive headache with Greacen and Ryan Harding sidelined, while new centre-half Alan McManus picked up a knock against Ayr United and Alex Walker limped off midway through the semi-final with Carlton Atletic.
Under the Renfrewshire Cup rules, the manager will be unable to call upon trialists, which means a stretched defence — something Greacen is more than willing to resolve.
He added: “Davie [Irons] said to me at the start of the week that if I get through training alright then I might get part of the game.
“It would be brilliant, but if it doesn’t happen then I’ll look to get another week’s training complete to push for a place against Clyde.
“It’s been soul destroying to see all the other guys in full training while I’ve been stuck on the exercise bike. But the boys have done well to cope with a tough schedule and there has been real improvement in every game.”
Now in his sixth season with the club, Greacen knows as well as anyone the importance of beating the Saints.
He said: “I scored the winning goal on my debut. We’ve lost the last couple so we are due a victory, it is a big game for the fans and we’d love to get one over on our rivals.”
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