Pars keeper facing spell on sidelines after clash

Dunfermline have been rocked by the news that goalkeeper Ryan Scully could face a month on the sidelines following a sickening head knock against Stranraer.

Scully, 27, suffered a concussion when he bravely claimed a Cameron Elliott delivery ahead of Jordan Allan, resulting in a heavy collision.

The Pars number one was eventually carried from the field on a stretcher following more than 10 minutes of treatment and taken to hospital, with Dunfermline ultimately going on to exit the Scottish Cup with a shock 1-0 defeat.

East End Park boss Stevie Crawford has revealed that Scully has no memory of the match prior to his injury and was still suffering on Monday.

And, although the time-frame for his return is challenging to pin down, Crawford has vowed to err on the side of caution following such a worrying knock and admits Scully could be set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

“Ryan was still a little groggy when we picked him up from the hospital after the game,” explained Crawford. “He can’t remember anything before the incident happened.

“He was still under the weather on Monday. I haven’t spoken to him myself yet, but Westie (goalkeeping coach Dave Westwood) says he was in a better place on Tuesday.

“With the head knock protocol the way it is, Kevin (Bain, physio) is saying that the absence could be a matter of a few days or it could extend to a month or so. That is something we will just have to monitor on a daily basis at the moment.

“It is something you just cannot take a chance with, not just in football but in sport in general. We need to go through all the right protocol when it comes to a head knock.

“Obviously we would like Ryan back sooner rather than later, but never at the detriment of the players health.”

Scully’s misfortune will give 21-yearold Cammy Gill another opportunity to shine between the sticks for the Fifers, starting with this weekend’s Championship clash against Partick Thistle.

Ryan Scully: Head knock.