St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright admits he will have to sign a free agent as defensive cover for the injured Steven Anderson.
The 27-year old defender sustained a dislocated thumb in the weekend's 1-1 draw with Partick Thistle which is expected to keep him out until December and will force Wright to seek bringing a new player to McDiarmid Park.
"Steven's injury was a dislocation but the ligament in the thumb moved as well, so that made it a lot more complicated in trying to get it back in place. That is why they had to operate," Wright said.
"The surgeon's report was quite negative, so we are looking at a minimum of two months. That is a massive blow for us.
"Gary Miller will get his opportunity and we also have Dave Mackay who can go in there. We're not short on quality, just numbers.
"If we can get a free agent lined up, that is something we would look at. I've spoken to the chairman about it.
"It's not something we would do ideally but we will if we think it is necessary. We are now looking around at the free agents that are out there."
