Barry Douglas has spoken of his frustration as an unusual injury hampered his hopes of helping relegation-threatened St Johnstone, but now that he is back fighting fit, he thinks his experience can be a valuable asset in turning around their fortunes.

The veteran left back made his return to the Saints side as a half time substitute in the loss to at Ibrox on Sunday, having been sidelined since picking up a knock against Motherwell at Fir Park in early November.

(Image: Sammy Turner - SNS Group) With his team already 3-0 down to Rangers at that stage, there was little Douglas could do to turn the tide, though a more creditable second half display did see Simo Valakari’s men win the second half by a goal to nil and leave Govan without any further damage done to their confidence, or their goal difference.

Now Douglas is looking forward to a McDiarmid Park double header against Motherwell, first in the Scottish Cup this Saturday and then on league duty the following week, as he looks to put a frustrating start to his Saints career behind him.

“It was difficult being out,” Douglas said.

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“I was trying to come in and help the boys and then getting a little bit of an unusual injury set me back. It’s been frustrating.

“The injury was a kick against Motherwell. I actually played most of the game and then it didn’t really settle down.

“I went for a scan, and it showed quite a severe tear in my calf. That’s why I’ve been out for so long.

“We had to be patient to allow it to heal. That’s been frustrating, the games that I’ve missed but I am back now.

“I need to give all that I’ve got, use my experience to help the boys try and turn this around.”

The motivation to avoid relegation isn’t only a personal one for Douglas, either, with the 35-year-old only too aware that there are jobs at the club which are dependant on what the players do over these next few months.

“The challenge is there for us,” he said.

(Image: SNS Group) “All the motivation is there when you take a look at the table, it’s livelihoods and that’s the reality of it.

“I think a lot of boys need to realise that. It’s not just about what we do on the pitch; it affects everyone else surrounding the club.

“There’s still loads to play for. I think in this league two or three consecutive games changes the outlook of where you are in the table.

“I’ll be amplifying that in the dressing room that it’s one game at a time now - starting in the cup next week.

“I would hope my experience and leadership would be as valuable as my football ability in the next while.

“Of course, I’m not just in there to speak and just guide. I’m in there to help the boys and I feel I’m still able to do that - otherwise I wouldn’t be here.

“It’s a challenge. There’s no getting away from that and it’s a different challenge to any other I’ve been involved in.

“It’s exciting for me nonetheless, but of course, we don’t want to be in this position.

“But it is what it is, the table doesn’t lie. We have to take it game by game and see where we end up.”