St Johnstone's captain Dave Mackay looks set to miss the rest of the season due to a flare up of problems with his hip. MacKay underwent an operation last summer which resulted in him missing the start of the season. However, although the problem was being managed, it has flared up again and another operation is required. Manager Tommy Wright said: "Dave’s been able to manage the problem since returning to action but he has been in a lot of discomfort this week and so we sent him for further consultation and the outcome is that he needs another operation. He’s looking an absence of four to five months so unfortunately his season is over. I’m very disappointed for him because he put a lot of work into his recovery back in the summer and autumn."
Wright moved quickly to bring in defensive cover and has signed former Alloa Athletic right back Michael Doyle who has also played for Kilmarnock and goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s visit of Aberdeen. The Perth manager said: "I know Michael well. He was about to sign for Cork City but wants fulltime football in Scotland and this opportunity has come up at the right time for him. He’s a good athlete and experienced and will give us good cover at a critical stage in the season."