St Johnstone have suffered a blow with the news Martin Hardie has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Midfielder confident of returning from injury
St Johnstone have suffered a blow with the news Martin Hardie has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
Hardie sustained the injury in a behind-closed-doors game against Falkirk last week and St Johnstone's worst fears have been confirmed.
The 33-year-old has damaged his cruciate and medial ligament and is set to undergo surgery later this week.
Hardie faces several months on the sidelines, but the midfielder is confident he will make a full recovery and return to action.
"It was excruciating at the time so I knew it was a bad one," Hardie told the
Daily Record. "I was thinking I might be out for eight weeks but my season is finished and I have to accept that.
"The good thing is I've never even had a niggle from my knees. I've no history of knee injuries so I know I'll be back.
"Of course it's a blow but I've come back from pelvic and groin problems and I'll return from this.
"I've spoken to guys in the game who have gone through this and they have reassured me. Years ago this might have been seen as a career-threatening injury but treatment has progressed and that's definitely no longer the case.
"I know it's going to be a test of character and mental strength but I have shown in the past I have that in abundance.
"It might sound strange but I'm looking forward to having the operation then I can concentrate on the rehab."
