BY KYLE GUNN

St Mirren centre-half Kirk Broadfoot has opened up on the frustrations of his latest spell on the sidelines.

The 35-year-old hasn’t been seen since suffering ligament damage in the 5-2 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle back in November.

And to add to the former Kilmarnock man’s woes, his diagnosis turned out to be worse than first thought.

“It’s been frustrating," he told Gazette Sport. "At first we didn’t think it was that serious until we saw the specialist. He gave me the news I would have to be in a protective boot for four to six weeks. That wasn’t great but these things happen in football.

“I’ve been out before for a lot longer, you just have to get your head down and get on with it. I’ve not had a serious injury for a few years, it’s just unlucky with my studs getting caught in the grass and I twisted my foot. We thought it was just bone bruising but turned out I had torn my ligaments.

“The rehab was tough. I couldn’t drive at the start because of the boot so I wasn’t in training with the boys. I was at home not doing much, just upper body exercises at the start. I just had to focus on the end goal and luckily that’s where I am now.”

READ MORE: Jim Goodwin warns St Mirren against Scottish Cup complacency

Buddies boss Jim Goodwin has moved quickly to bolster his defence and snapped up two defenders already in this transfer window.

Young stoppers Conor McCarthy and Akin Famewo have joined Saints this month, but that doesn’t concern Broadfoot who says he’ll enjoy the fight for his place.

The former Rangers and Killie defender continued: “Competition for places is always good. I played at one of the biggest clubs in Scotland that was just the norm back then. So it’s good we’ve got a few more bodies in. It only makes the dressing room better and keeps us all on our toes. I welcome the challenge. I’ve had it all my career. 

"If I can help them I will, I won’t be bitter and just ignore them as they’re in my position. We’re in it together, they can help push me on and I’ll do the same for them.

“We needed a few more players at the back. With Sean [McGloughlin] leaving, it was only myself and Gary MacKenzie still here. All it takes is a couple of bad injuries and you’re down the bare bones. 

"I think a club realistically needs four centre-halves. I've had that everywhere I’ve been. Even if Sean had stayed, we would have needed at least one more. 

READ MORE: Saints boss keen to further bolster squad in January window

"I’ve not seen much of the new lads but they look big, strong and good athletes. Conor is a bit behind as he’s effectively on pre-season, so he’s having to play catch-up the same as me."

Looking ahead to the Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Broxburn Athletic this weekend, Broadfoot knows what could happen if the eye is taken off the ball against the East of Scotland Football League outfit .

“It’s their cup final so we’ll give them all the respect they deserve. Last year at Kilmarnock we had Rangers who were expected to beat us, but we made it difficult and took them to a replay.

"Broxburn will be the same. They’re bringing a big crowd and they’ll look to make it difficult for us. They want an upset so we need to be on our toes. We’ve had a wee lay-off and they’ve not so it can be a tricky one being favourites. We just want to get the job done and move on.”

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