Kilmarnock midfielder Jamie Fowler does not conform to the stereotype of the footballer who is a reluctant spectator - but admits he is glad to be back playing again.

Fowler made his first start of the season in the narrow defeat at Hibernian last week after recovering from a double hernia operation.

Looking ahead to the visit of St Johnstone, Fowler said that while he had no problems cheering his team-mates on from the stand in recent weeks, he is glad to be back beside them on the pitch.

"I would watch football seven days a week, which drives my wife nuts," he said.

"I love watching football and when I was out I managed to get to all of the games to support the boys, bar one.

"When you are out, you miss the training as well as the games.

"When you are stuck in the gym for four or five weeks you miss getting outside in the fresh air.

"I haven't had too many injury problems over the years but I had the hernia problem for a while and it flared up against Swansea in pre-season.

"So it was a bit disappointing, after going through pre-season, to realise that I had to get an operation.

"But hopefully I am getting back to full fitness. It has been frustrating that we have not had the points that our performances have maybe deserved."

Fowler was introduced at right-back last week but is hoping he can return to midfield against the Perth side.

"It was good to get back in," he said. "But I hope to get into midfield, my preferred position.

"It's going to be a tough game though. I don't think St Johnstone have picked up the points their performances have deserved.

"They played really well against Rangers last week and they will be disappointed in getting beat.

"There isn't a lot between any of the sides in the SPL. We competed well against Hibs last weekend and they could go second this weekend depending on how results go.

"Down at the bottom, finding a goal scorer is what makes a difference.

"We have got guys who can score and if we keep making chances they will finish them."