St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson has confirmed David Wotherspoon’s famous ‘chop’ trickery is as good as ever.
The influential midfielder marked a significant moment in his injury comeback this week – playing 60 minutes in a bounce game against Hibs.
Wotherspoon suffered a nasty knee injury way back in November of last year but is now on the cusp of a first-team return as he also eyes a place in the Canada World Cup squad.
And Davidson was delighted to watch over the 3-2 friendly win where Wotherspoon displayed the ‘chop’ foot shuffle move perfectly once again.
Davidson said: “The Spoony chop was still there – we saw that a couple of times! That was nice to see again.
“David’s an intelligent player and the more he plays, the more confident he’ll get.
“When you’re back in the first team you can’t have any doubts in your head.
“As good as he looked, we’ll make sure he’s 100 per cent right in his head and his knee and then it will be a case of ‘let’s get him going’”.
More good news was that Tony Gallacher played his first full 90 minutes since fracturing his leg in April.
“We played a strong Hibs team,” said Davidson. “It was a really good game. Tony Gallacher came through his first 90 minutes. There were a few really good tackles.
“It was David’s first game and he managed 60 minutes no problem. I’m delighted with both of them.
“We’ll get another game next week and hopefully that will be them back in the fold and pushing for selection.
“We’ve got United, Kilmarnock and then Celtic – three games in quick succession. It will be great if these guys can help us.
“I don’t want to speak too soon but it will be great for the supporters to see Spoony back. It’s been great to have him back in training doing the things we know he can do.
“Tony has been out a long time as well. It’s given everybody a lift to have both of them back.”
Davidson noted that Graham Carey’s knee injury is still being assessed.
He explained to the PA: “It’s a case of ticking things off as the swelling goes down. There won’t be a rush.
“Hopefully there will be good news at the end of it.
“There’s nothing we can do until we know what the situation is.
“Appointments have been arranged for the next couple of days so we should hopefully know more by the start of next week.”
Carey has impressed in the early part of the season and Davidson wants him available for the next fixture or as soon as possible.
He said: “I tried to get Graham last year and as soon as he became available for this season I really wanted to bring him to the club.
“You know what you’re going to get from him.
“He’s a player who is always looking forward and trying to create things. I knew that was the type of addition we needed from the previous season.
“I’ve been delighted with his start. Like David he can play two or three different positions. Fingers crossed he’s OK.”
