Happy McPake is back at work

OUR picture shows a smiling Dundee club captain James McPake taking another major step towards fitness as he returns to training with the rest of the first-team squad.

Out for 22 months since shattering his knee in the 2016 New Year derby win over Dundee United, it means the 33-year-old is close to g etting back playing.

It could still be around the turn of the year before the centre-half is fit enough to be considered for firstteam action, though.

If all goes well, he i s expected to start playing at Development League level in t he next f ew weeks, though t oday’s second string game at Hibs was expected to come too soon for him.

Fellow-injury victim Scott Allan was expected to get another run-out i n that game.

The midfielder, who’s on a season-long loan from Celtic, has been out since having surgery at the end of September to repair a groin problem.

He could be involved in Saturday’s vital home clash with Kilmarnock when the Dark Blues will have the chance to haul themselves off the bottom of the Premiership if they can end a five-game losing streak with a much-needed victory.

Goalkeeper Scott Bain was also i n line to see action again.

It’s not clear yet if he’ll return to the senior team squad after being left out at Hibs before the international break because of a disciplinary matter that is still ongoing.

James McPake in training for Dundee.