David Clarkson has opened up about his injury agony as he faces a YEAR out of action.

The St Mirren forward suffered a horrific blow in training two weeks ago that resulted in him damaging his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and his PLC (Posterolateral corner).

After initially hoping he'd just be posted missing for 12 weeks, the 31-year-old was then given the news it will instead be up to 12 months on the sidelines.

"I didn't think it was going to be as serious, I've never done my knees before so I didn't know the feeling," he said.

"It was painful but at the time you hope it was just a knock and it may be a few weeks. You then get the scan results and you know it was the worst-case scenario.

"You are hoping it was going to be 12 weeks maximum. It's disappointing and frustrating.

"The longest I've ever been out for was around 12 weeks after doing my ankle.

"They are saying I'll potentially be back in nine to 12 months. Hopefully if things go well I'll be back in nine months.

"I've never had an injury as long as this. I've been lucky not to have any major injuries up until now.

"Thankfully the missus is okay with me so far. This is still the honeymoon period, it's only been two weeks. It is hard with two kids as I can't walk or drive, you can't do anything like even picking the wee one up from school.

"Thankfully she's not hit me with the crutches yet."

The situation has been made all the more worrying for the former Scotland internationalist given his contract at the Paisley 2021 Stadium is due to run out this summer.

With St Mirren currently embroiled in a Ladbrokes Championship scrap as they remain anchored to the foot of the table, Clarkson knows himself it is too early for the club to commit to offering him a new deal.

However, he insists manager Jack Ross and the club have done all they can to help.

He added: "The gaffer and the ckub have been great so far.

"He's had conversations with me and is trying to make sure I've got everything I need. After the op they said they would look after me and get me physio work. It's good to hear you have their support.

"It's too early [to talk about contracts]. The club with the position that they are in are in a situation to offer boys contracts.

"I'm no different although I'm going to be injured for a long period of time. I'd imagine that will be something that will come up in conversation whenever the time is right.

"But right now the club and the gaffer's main goals are to make sure St Mirren stay in the league."

Clarkson admits it will be tough to miss out helping his fellow Buddies out in their relegation fight, which will continue tonight at home to Hibs.

"That's the biggest thing," he said. "Everyone wants to play their part especially at this time of the season and given the situation we are in.

"I'm helpless. I can't play my part on the pitch. Off it I'll do as much as I can but you want to play. That's right through the club, you want to help."