Alex Iacovitti insists there will be no old pals’ act when he returns to Ross County with St Mirren on Saturday.
The big centre-back made over 100 appearances for the Staggies between 2020 and 2023 before moving to Port Vale in Sky Bet League One.
The 27-year-old is back in the Buddies first-team fold after three months out with a serious hamstring injury.
And he is ready to take on strike threat Jordan White and Co. as Saints aim for back-to-back away wins after last weekend’s dramatic 3-2 triumph at St Johnstone.
“I’m looking forward to it big-time whoever is playing,” Iacovitti said. “Jordan is a great player and I played against him many times in training. He’s good at what he does. He doesn’t get the credit as much as he deserves for his hold-up play and his first touch.
“He’s obviously really good in the air but I’m looking forward to smashing him up and playing against him!
“He’s a good lad. We’ve had some good battles in training and I know what he’s all about. It’ll be a tough, physical game and one I’m looking forward to.
“I’ve kept in touch with a few of the lads and a few lads reached out to me when I signed here. I’m not sure what kind of reception I’ll get; we will see. I left on good terms and the club has a special place in my heart.
“Everyone was brilliant to me and I loved my three years there. As soon as I cross that white line, all that will be forgotten about. They all know what I’m like. I’m there to try and get the three points for St Mirren. That’s my job.”
It’s been a rollercoaster first half of the season for Iacovitti who has suffered through injury but enjoyed the highs of scoring twice during the Paisley side’s UEFA Conference League adventure.
Now his focus is on staying in the team, after starting at McDiarmid Park against the Perth Saints, and making sure the Buddies remain serious Premiership top-six contenders.
“I want to play as many games as I can for the rest of the season and achieve our targets and be successful,” he added. “I’m really looking forward to that. Someone was saying to me I’m still beating a few lads on goals so I’m just hoping to add to that.
“I got through last week quite well. I felt my legs a little bit in the last 10 minutes but adrenaline gets you through it.
“The next day was the worst! The legs are a bit more sore than normal. I had to have a few hot baths, go to the sauna, steam room and pool. But I’ve recovered well and I’m raring to go.”
Iacovitti hopes he has put his injury woes behind him as he looks to make his mark at the SMiSA Stadium following his arrival in the summer.
He said: “I’ve never been injured much in my career but I saw it as a challenge, used it to my advantage and feel I’ve come back stronger.”
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