St Johnstone striker Nicky Clark pushing to make matchday squad return against Rangers this weekend

St Johnstone striker Nicky Clark is pushing to return to the matchday squad for this weekend’s game against Rangers.

Clark, who picked up an ankle problem last season, is yet to feature for the Perth side this term.

But he trained fully towards the tail end of last week and is set to ramp up his comeback ambitions over the next couple of days.

“I’ll have a look at him and decide whether he plays in a bounce game on Tuesday (against Alloa),” manager Steven MacLean said.

“He is desperate to get involved, which is great. He is pushing for Saturday.

“We need to be careful because he has been out for a long time.

“But there are good signs and fingers crossed he comes through this week.

“Saturday will be too soon for Drey Wright.”

Midfielder Sven Sprangler has been completing final red-tape requirements and is over in Austria sitting an exam.

MacLean said: “I’m not quite sure if it will get done for the weekend.

“I’m probably edging towards it won’t. His exam is this week and then we’ll get him back over as soon as possible.

“If not this weekend, I’m sure he’ll be available for the following game.

“He did well for us in the bounce game last Wednesday.

“He is everything we thought he was and he’ll be a good addition.”

Recent arrival Diallang Jaiyesimi is nursing a hamstring injury picked up in the bounce game with St Mirren last week.

MacLean said: He started the game quite well but felt his hamstring.

“We brought him off as soon as we could and we’ll now get him assessed.”