St Johnstone boss Wright: “We’re ready for return to action”

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright insists his players are desperate to get back into action after a prolonged winter break.

The Perth club's Scottish Cup clash at Albion Rovers has been twice postponed due to the inclement weather which means Saints have not played since a 2-0 defeat to Dundee on December 30.

To that end, the Northern Irishman believes his players will be raring to go when Partick Thistle visit in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday.

Wright, who revealed that left-back Brian Easton was likely to have a hernia operation on Thursday, while 20-year-old attacker Callum Hendry is out for “about two or three months” with a groin/pelvic problem, said “We are looking forward to a game. It has been a long wait for us.

“We have been working but we have gone as long without a game as we have done in the past few pre-seasons when we have been in Europe.

“Players just can't wait to get a game and hopefully that enthusiasm will help us put in a good performance.

“Players want to play football. Most players don't mind playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday if they have to.

“They love games and the competitiveness of games and that's what they work for, to play matches, so hopefully they are sharp enough and ready - they are certainly fresh enough.

“We quickly arranged a practise match between ourselves on Tuesday night when we knew the (Rovers) game was off.

“That is not the same but it will help in terms of preparation for Saturday.

“There is no doubt that Partick, having played two games, should have a wee bit of an advantage in terms of sharpness but it is something we just have to deal with.