Tony Gallacher insists he’s more than ready to be pitched in from the start against Celtic on Saturday.
The left-sided wing-back made his return to first team football as a second-half sub in Wednesday night’s 2-1 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
It was his competitive return to action having worked his way back from a fractured leg sustained in April. After picking up much-needed minutes – and with loan star Adam Montgomery unable to face his parent club – Gallacher is raring to go.
“It’s a big chance for me to start,” said Gallacher. “Adam has slotted well into that position this season but he’s broken his toe and he’s not allowed to play against his parent club anyway.
“But football gives you opportunities and he’ll have to sit this one out so it’s up to me to try and make a good impression in a big game and then see how things go but it’s good for everyone to have competition.
“The first game I missed due to my injury was against Celtic – who I’ve never played against – so having that as my first start after it would provide a bit of symmetry.”
Gallacher revealed there were no issues with his leg following the Rugby Park run-out. He said: “It wasn’t the result I wanted, of course, but at the same time I’m glad to finally be back because it’s been a long six months. I was a bit wary about the astroturf but I feel fine – there are no issues at all.
“The gaffer wanted me to come on and try to change the game, so that was a positive for me.
“He could just as easily have said he would save me for later but he didn’t so I’ll take confidence from that.
“From a psychological point of view, coming back from such a nasty injury it was important to get the first tackle out of the way but now I feel as though I’m back to normal.”
Gallacher had company on the McDiarmid Park medical table and that helped keep spirits high. He explained: “It’s been tough because it’s the first major injury I’ve ever had and I was out for such a long time.
“I’d hoped to be back for the start of the season but I had to watch everyone else working instead, which wasn’t ideal but that’s football. Injuries happen and I just had to be patient and get on with it.
“There were a few other guys who were also out at the same time so I was around some good senior players.
“David Wotherspoon, who was also on the bench at Kilmarnock, was a big help – he kept me mentally strong, which was good because it’s easy when you’re in the physio’s room every day to go to those dark places but the guys kept my spirits high.
“We’ve been level pegging on our comebacks, starting running together and joining in with the others at training. Hopefully, he’ll be back in action as soon as possible.”
Gallacher concluded: “Before my injury, I was bedding myself in with the team, getting the run of games I needed and feeling good about myself. But you can’t predict injuries so I’ll just start at the bottom again and work my way up.”
