St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright has described defender Steven Anderson as “a backbone in the team”.
Ando is now Saints’ record appearance holder having broken Alan Main’s stint with the club.
And, having played over 370 games for the Perth men, Tommy believes the former Dundee United youth player can go on and play many more games for the McDiarmid Park side.
The Saints stalwart has a year left on his present deal and negotiations have started on extending his stay at Perth even further.
Tommy said: “We are close to agreeing a new deal with Ando and I am delighted to have him at the club.
“He really is a fabulous professional and a backbone in the squad for a very long time.”
Talks are ongoing with other players about new deals.
Anderson, who has just had his testimonial year, will be in the heart of the Saints defence when they face Motherwell at Fir Park.
Murray Davidson, who missed the 1-0 win away to Ross County last Saturday, due to a hamstring injury, is fit enough to return.
However, injury rules out Chris Millar, who had to be taken off against County, and Simon Lappin, who also missed the County game with a calf complaint.
