Blow as Smart suffers big injury setback
Kinnoull have been dealt a blow with news that striker Dale Smart is likely to miss the rest of the season.
The Perth forward, who has been chipping in with goals on a near weekly basis, injured his ankle in a friendly with Downfield last Saturday.
Smart is gutted about the setback but still harbours hopes that he can make a return before the end of the season and play a part in the club’s promotion push.
He said:“I’ve torn ligaments in my ankle and got a small fracture. I don’t really know any more at this point and I’m waiting for a more in-depth diagnosis.
“It’s very gutting to be missing an important run in which could include a title challenge, but hopefully I can get back and play a part. But it doesn’t look likely.”
Manager Alan Cameron hopes Smart can return before the season is out and said:“We will just need to wait and see.
“It’s a blow, obviously, because he is our top goalscorer. This Saturday we are also missing another striker in Rhys Davies, who is suspended.
“We have a small squad but we will hopefully have one, possibly two, trialists.
“One boy trained with us on Monday and we have a young lad who showed up well on Saturday past.
“Lukasz Osinski will be back in the squad after missing last time out due to work and George Hughes also returns to the squad.”
Preston Athletic provide the opposition in an East of Scotland League Conference A/B away fixture.
“Preston are a dogged side and have an outside chance of getting that promotion playoff spot,” Cameron told the PA. “It is going to be tough.
“But if we approach it in the right manner and play the way we can, I am confident we will take something from the game.”
Jeanfield Swifts, meanwhile, are in League Cup second round action against Crossgates at the Riverside tomorrow afteroon.
And the Perth men, determined to avenge a defeat from earlier in the season, will enter the fixture with a full squad to choose from.
Swifts’legs should certainly be sharp having been without a competitive game for three weeks.
Kick-off tomorrow is 2.30pm.