Callum Booth aims to play a key role in St Johnstone’s survival mission.
The experienced operator returned to first-team duties against Livingston following team-mate Tony Gallacher’s gutting leg fracture.
With Gallacher now sidelined for the run-in, the left wing-back role is likely to be occupied by cup double winner Booth.
“Tony came in recently, was settling in and playing well so it’s really disappointing for him,” Booth told the PA. “It’s the story of our season with long-term injuries. We’ve not had much luck.
“Tony is still young and hopefully he can come back as soon as possible.
“You aren’t at Liverpool for the length of time he was if you don’t have ability. He has a bright future and can kick on again.”
Booth continued: “It has been a little stop-start for me since the January break. I came back feeling good then had a wee issue with my groin. I kept feeling something there.
“I feel like I’ve not had much rhythm this second half of the season. But thankfully I’ve been back for three weeks now and I’m feeling good.”
The 30-year-old helped Saints grind out a hugely important 1-0 win against Livi last weekend.
The plan is to mirror the defensive determination at league leaders Celtic tomorrow afternoon.
“It was great to grind it out against Livi,” he said. “At this stage of the season, that is what it is all about.
“It’s a tough game on Saturday now. We’ll need all of our battling spirit and a little bit more.
“But we’re not going there on a terrible run. We’ve picked up a lot.
“It’s great to play in front of 60,000 and hopefully we can take the sting out the game in the first 10 minutes.”
Saints, who sit 11th, are six points back of St Mirren and Aberdeen.
Booth knows they will be looking over their shoulder.
“I remember at Partick Thistle sitting in eighth or ninth and you think you are comfortable,” he said.
“But suddenly a couple of results elsewhere and the pressure builds.
“We could have been nine or 12 points back, but it’s cut to six. We have the momentum, while others are going in the wrong direction.”
