ST MIRREN defender Jason Naismith has put his injury hell behind him after making a long-awaited return to action against Morton.

The 21-year-old was forced off in just the second game of the season against Dumbarton in August with a knee injury.

That lengthy lay-off ensured Saints’ 3-1 home win in the Renfrewshire derby tasted even sweeter.

He said: “It’s been a long time since my last first team game so it’s a good high to come back into.

“The first few months were obviously hard and you become used to it. Today it was different. It felt like a second debut again.

“You get used to being injured which is a bad habit but I’ve been back now for a good wee while.

“I just tried to manage the game because I’m probably not match-fit. I played my first 90 minutes on Tuesday [for St Mirren reserves] and my legs were hanging after that.”

Naismith also insisted he had no fears that he had given away a penalty in the closing stages when Declan McManus took a tumble in the box.

The incident took place in front of the Morton supporters who vented their frustrations after referee Willie Collum waved the play on.

“I knew I’d won the ball,” he said.

“I’ve played with Declan for the Scotland U21s before. I saw him shift and I knew he was going to go by Jack (Baird).

“I had one last wee spurt of energy in my calves and I just read him and got a wee knee on the ball.

“I’m happy that Willie Collum saw that. He spotted it well.”