David Clarkson says he is making steady progress as he works to get back to fitness following an injury.
Clarkson injured his anterior cruciate ligament in a training ground accident back in February.
It was a blow that was expected to keep the 31 year-old out for up to a year.
And while the striker is still following the initial timeframe set, he believes he is making good strides.
I feel good," he told stmirren.com. "I'm doing a lot more functional stuff now so it's a step forward for me and I'm progressing nicely really.
"The time given was 9-12 months so that's what I'm aiming for. Hopefully everything goes to plan."
Jack Ross admits that the club had a moral obligation to Clarkson after his injury, but also believes that his attitude around the training ground made it an easy decision to keep him around in some capacity.
The striker will continue to work on getting back to fitness while helping out in terms of performing scouting duties.
It's something the manager says will help him, while Clarkson is looking forward to giving as much assistance as he can.
The club have looked after me," he said.
"I'm potentially going to do some work behind the scenes and watch opponents games to do some reporting and stuff. I've done my A Licence so that ties in with that.
"The club have been brilliant and I spoke to Tony and the chairman to thank them.
"It wasn't ideal with my contract being up. It was a worrying time for me but thankfully the club have looked after me.
"I want to help out as much as I can. I would love to be playing but as long as I'm here I will try and help out with anything I am asked to do."
Andy Webster has returned to do some coaching with the U20s and Clarkson says it something he'd be keen to help out with if asked.
I do some work with the Motherwell U15s just now and I think that's the road I want to go down.
"I'd love to do some work with the U20s here if that came about. I'd love to try and pass on some experience and tips."
Saints first competitive games get underway in just over two weeks time when Jack Ross' side take on Stranraer in the Betfred Cup.
Clarkson hopes that his Buddies teammates can push on from the extraordinary end to last season.
He said: "You could always see the change in the team and the confidence there.
"I think it shows the character there to get out of the situation we were in last season.
"I was at the last game of the season and it was nerve wracking.
"The core and the structure are there to go and hopefully build on that. It's a club that should be in the Premiership.
"I'm sure the boys will knuckle down and try to get a good start and see where we go from there.
"I think the gaffer is probably still looking at a few players and I'm pretty sure when he has the squad he wants there will be a discussion of where we want to aim for this season and everybody has to be on board."
