Fit again Robb given the runaround by physio

Jan 16 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

steven robb

ST MIRREN star Steven Robb last night revealed how club physio John McCreadie has played a key role in his recovery from injury – by giving him the runaround.

Robb was forced to complete two punishing training sessions a day under the watchful eye of tough taskmaster McCreadie, right, after suffering a shoulder injury.

The 26-year-old wing king is now rapidly approaching full fitness and reckons McCreadie can take much of the credit for his return to action.

Former Dundee United star Robb said: “My shoulder just seemed to pop out in training one day but, fortunately, the physio was able to pop it back in.

“The problem was that I was left without much movement and, while I could do all the running in training, I just wasn’t able to hold people off.

“But John came in and he worked wonders for me, although he did give me the runaround by making sure I had to do two training sessions a day.

“In fact, when I think about it, I’ve probably worked harder than anybody else in the last few weeks.

“It’s all been worth it though because I’m very close to full fitness now and eager to get going again.”

Robb stepped up his fitness push with a 15-minute runout as a substitute during Tuesday night’s 3-1 Homecoming Scottish Cup fourth round win over Brechin City.

And he is hoping he has done enough to convince gaffer Gus MacPherson to involve him in tomorrow’s SPL clash with Hibernian at Easter Road.

Robb said: “I’m fit and available but the most important thing is that the manager has competition for places and that brings out the best in all of us.

“Nobody is guaranteed a place in the first team so, when you do come in, you have to play well to stay in there.”

Robb reckons the first goal will be crucial in tomorrow’s SPL showdown between Saints and Hibs.

He added: “We played Hibs earlier in the season and drew 0-0 but we created a lot of chances that day and just didn’t take them.

“Hopefully, we can manage to get the first goal at Easter Road and pick up a victory.”

Saints will jump into sixth spot in the SPL if they beat the Hibees this weekend and Kilmarnock lose at home to Hearts.

But Robb insists league positions will only truly take on significance in May.

He said: “It’s not important where you are in the league just now, the most important thing is that we are picking up results and playing well.

“We’ll look at the table in May and, if we’re in sixth place then, we’ll be delighted.”