Howard vows to fight for Saints no.1 jersery

Jun 20 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN’S Mark Howard last night revealed he’s not concerned about the possibility of a new goalkeeper coming in over the summer to challenge him for the number one jersey.

Saints have been strongly linked with a move for Dunfermline Athletic goalie Paul Gallacher in the last few days.

It’s strongly rumoured that a deal has already been done to bring the 29 year-old player – who is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers outside the SPL – to Paisley.

With Howard currently sidelined with an injury to his right knee and fellow stopper Chris Smith out until 2010 after going under the surgeon’s knife earlier this year, the Buddies are very much down to the bare bones in the goalkeeper department.

And it would make sense if Gus MacPherson opted for an experienced stopper of Gallacher’s ilk.

The star has also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Gillingham, Norwich City and Dundee United.

Gallacher has also impressed at an international level, having been capped for Scotland.

But Howard, 21, insists that he will rise to the challenge and the gloves will most certainly be off – if the move for the Pars favourite works out.

He said: “I’ve always had challenges wherever I’ve been in my career.

“If the manager wants to bring in another goalkeeper then obviously that’s really up to him.

“All I can do is work on my own game, try my best and keep trying to improve.

“If another goalkeeper comes in, then it’s a challenge I’ll look forward to.”

Howard is hopeful that he will be back at pre-season training next month.

But he does face a race against time.

The players are back on Monday, July 6.

As things stand, Howard has been told to take things easy.

Under no circumstances will he be able to take part in running exercises.

And that’s precisely what the St Mirren players are going to be doing for the first week back after the summer.

He revealed: “I picked up this injury in the last game of the season against Hamilton.

“To be honest, it was a massive relief to know that I didn’t need surgery.

“But I’ve been told to rest it for the time being.

“The only type of exercise that I can really do is in the swimming pool.

“But I’m hopeful that I can take part in pre-season, even if it’s staggered.

“But I’ll need to speak to the physio first and foremost to see where we stand.”