| Late yesterday afternoon, young full-back Stephen McNally had the bone graft on his back that was required to give him a chance of continuing to play full-time football.
The operation itself is a fairly routine procedure, but the 21-year-old will not be ready to resume training before the start of pre-season work in the summer and faces a lifetime of exercises to keep his back strong.
Also at hospital last night was injured goalkeeper Derek Soutar, who has been experiencing some discomfort with the knee on which he had surgery a couple of months ago.
“Right now, I’ve still no news from the medical people, but it is something I am chasing up and I should have a better idea about how things have gone before the day is out,” said Alan.
“Obviously, with Stephen it is a long-term thing and he will not be in the plans until next season, but we are hopeful that there is nothing seriously wrong with ‘Soapy’ and he’s back before too long.”
Having declined the offer of a closed-door friendly last night because it would have meant some of the Under-19 team having to play twice in little over 24 hours, there is no game this week to keep fringe players ticking over.
That, though, does not mean they will have things easy and the squad had a tough day at work today.
“Because we don’t have a game until Saturday, I decided to give the boys a double session and they’ve been working hard. That won’t have done them any harm,” added the manager.
Joining in again was long-term absentee Lee Wilkie. He has even been able to resume ball work, but, having been out since April with serious knee trouble, is still some way away from a return to competitive action. |
