Samuel back in the frame for Saints

ST JOHNSTONE forward Collin Samuel has played his way into contention for tomorrow’s SPL match against St Mirren.

The Trinidad and Tobago international has been sidelined for six weeks after knee surgery. But the Perth club’s leading scorer was giv en a 60-minute run in a closed-doors game against Morton yesterday.

Perth manager Derek McInnes said: “Sammy came through without any problems and he could be in our thoughts.”

But the Paisley match has come too soon for captain Kevin Rutkiewicz.

McInnes said: “Kevin played as planned for 45 minutes and it’s great to have him back. But he has had less training, so we won’t throw him back in at Paisley.”

Defender Graham Gartland is suspended and midfielder Kevin Moon is ruled out with a hamstring strain.

Alloa manager Allan Maitland has challenged his players to round off a good spell by winning the Second Division top-of-the-table meeting against Cowdenbeath tonight.

Maitland’s men earned a draw at Brechin on Saturday before the Wasps manager collected his third manager-of-the-month award this season. Now he wants victory against the Blue Brazil at Recreation Park to open up a three-point lead at the top.

Maitland said: “If we take four points from two very difficult games then that would be a great return. We need to make sure we win, but they will be licking their wounds after their home loss to Peterhead.”

Scott Buist is struggling to shake off a hamstring problem, but Mark Gilhaney could be back on the bench after injury. Chris Townsley, Dougie Wilson and Kevin Welsh remain out.