Johnston recovery hasn't been "as smooth" as hoped

Alistair Johnston has been reflecting on his injury-hampered start to the season, with his ankle injury flaring up and preventing a proper summer of preparations.

"It was difficult missing out on a full pre-season," he said. "When you get one of those under your belt, it really helps. The whole coaching staff have been really good with me.

"It hasn't been as smooth as I would have liked. There's definitely been some setbacks. When you add in international football and all that travel, when you go from playing on an astro pitch to fly to Jamaica and play on a swampy pitch, that adds its challenges."

The Canada international also says his team need to put on a good performance against St Johnstone on Sunday to bounce back from their European exit.

"Let them know that our performance at Lazio doesn't define us and we have more to show," he said. "It's a really difficult ground to go play at.

"It's a difficult team as well, strong, physical, defend their box really well. We need to come hot out the blocks."