SCOTT TANSER thought his season was over when he hit the deck following an awkward fall against Aberdeen on Boxing Day.   

Television replays showed the defender’s leg bend in an unnatural manner and manager Callum Davidson admitted at full-time that the Englishman could be out for some time.  

In a miraculous turn of fortunes a scan revealed that Tanser only suffered slight bruising to his knee and there was no ligament damage sustained.  

As a precaution the 26-year-old sat out St Johnstone’s previous two outings, but he is set to return against Dundee United on Saturday. 

“Honestly when it happened I just felt my knee buckle and it clicked and I thought oh no what is going on here,” he told Herald and Times Sport. 

“I honestly thought that was it for the season. I thought that was going to be me preparing for next season. 

“I watched it back and it looked even worse than I remember. Nine times out of ten that is a serious injury, but on this occasion I am going to count myself very lucky that I’m not out for a long period of time. 

“I actually watched it back straight away just to see how it was and it was a tough one. It was quite hard for myself because obviously I didn’t know the results of what was going to happen.” 

He continued: “It looked really bad and I was thinking the worst but I tried to stay positive, and it was a positive outcome. 

“The scan took a day or two to come through so it was just an anxious wait. I was just happy to be involved straight away, I don’t think it was even a week.  

“I was very lucky that it was just a bit of bruising and I will just carry on now. I’m not one to be injured touch wood so it was a strange feeling thinking what do I do now? 

“I’ve never really had a serious injury so I’m hoping that continues.” 

Reports in the media have linked Tanser with a move to a number of English sides this week including Barnsley and Sunderland.  

The full back is not aware of any interest from south of the border, but he has revealed that Saints have opened contract talks, with his current deal due to expire in the summer.  

He explained: “There has been an offer but there is nothing to say at this point. If there is interest [from elsewhere], it’s a reward for the performances I’ve been putting in. But other than that it’s just speculation. 

“I’ve not heard anything. I’m happy in Scotland and I’ve not even thought about moving. I’m just thinking about playing. 

“I’ve been thinking about giving 100 per cent every game and there is no reason for me to stop doing that. 

“I never think about being out of contract. If you think too much it’s going to play on your mind. You need your full focus on your game.” 

Ahead of this weekend's Tayside derby encounter against Dundee United, Tanser has told how he was once coached by Tannadice boss Micky Mellon at junior side Lytham Juniors.  

He added: “I’ve known Micky from when I was a little boy. We are from the same area. I do know him very well. 

“He was the manager for my junior team. His son and I have always been really close and he took our team for a few years. 

“He took some sessions and it was nothing more than that. I think it was when he was at Fleetwood. I didn’t really keep up with him when he was down south. 

“But, if I go off with what he’s doing at Dundee United, he is maybe a little more defensive-minded than attacking. His team likes to sit in and break out. They are a good defensive side.”