Foster is lifted by prospect of Anderson return ahead of Aberdeen’s visit to Perth

Anderson has been released by npower Championship side Derby and is recovering from a hamstring injury while using the Dons’ facilities.

Aberdeen boss Craig Brown was coy on the prospects of the 33-year-old former Scotland defender returning to Pittodrie, saying finances and fitness will dictate if a move is possible.

But Foster would be keen for his former captain to re-join saying: “It would be great for Aberdeen if Russell returned to the club. It would be great for the dressing-room.

“I know he is injured at the moment but mentally he is very strong. He has come back from serious injuries before.

“It would give everyone a lift just having him around the place again. He was a good guy to have alongside you. If you made a mistake he more often than not bailed you out. He would encourage you and he would demand a high level of performance from you.”

Should an avenue be found to recruit Anderson, his experience could be vital in their battle to climb the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League table and the Dons travel to St Johnstone tonight knowing victory in Perth could take them up to ninth in the standings.

They enter the match in tenth place after moving off the foot of the table despite conceding a two-goal lead in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with St Mirren, while the hosts are fourth and seeking to respond from their 3-0 loss to Motherwell.

Foster added: “We have only got ourselves to blame for not taking the three points on Saturday against St Mirren. We were two goals up, contentious decisions apart, we should still have held on to win the game.

“That is the run we are on at the moment, we are not getting the breaks when we need them.

“St Johnstone will be hurting after their result on Saturday but, to be fair, Motherwell are a good side. Hopefully it should be a good game as both teams will be going for the win.

“To get something from it we will have to be at our best and maybe get a little bit of luck.”