Saints veteran targets September comeback

ST JOHNSTONE midfielder Martin Hardie is preparing for cruciate ligament surgery in a bid to save his career.

The 33-year-old already had surgery on a crushed bone before the surgeon even contemplated the damaged cruciate.

Hardie is targeting a comeback in September.

He said: “After the first operation I was on crutches for eight weeks and that was irritating. But I had to leave it another six weeks before they’d consider the cruciate. But now I realise it was the right course of action.

“I have never wondered whether I am going to be all right. I’m a positive guy by nature. I never look back.

“Even when our physio Nick Summersgill told me the extent of the damage my only question was how long? I knew my season was over and that it would be next season before I’d be back.

“Having spoken to a number of people, including Jody Morris and the manager Derek McInnes, who’ve had cruciate surgery, I know I’ll be back. I’ve never shirked a challenge in my life and I’m ready for this one.”

The veteran, who has played for Queen’s Park, East Stirling, Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock is a free agent at the end of the season.

He added: “As far as my contract situation is concerned, the club and I haven’t spoken about what happens. First and foremost St Johnstone have to retain our SPL status. That’s what matters.

“After that it’ll be up to the manager and the board whether they want to hold on to me.”