The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Clark out for up to five weeks after surgery
DUNFERMLINE: Marksman has operation to deal with ankle injury
Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston has confirmed Nicky Clark faces up to five weeks on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to cure an ankle injury.
The former Rangers marksman had a recurrence of the complaint which plagued him last term and, after consultation with a specialist, went under the knife at the end of last week.
He attended the Pars’ penalty-kick win against Hearts on Saturday on crutches.
Johnston acknowledges that Clark’s absence is a hammer-blow for the Pars, given the 26-year-old had started the campaign with four goals in three appearances.
Nevertheless, the East End Park boss expressed relief that the player will be back relatively swiftly after initial suggestions he could be destined for around three months on the sidelines.
He said: “Nicky has been for his operation and thankfully it is nothing major.
“We are hopeful he will be back in around four to five weeks. We’ll just see how he progresses, while we should have Dean Shiels back this week.
“It’s frustrating for Nicky to get that sort of injury at this time of the season but we just need to get it sorted as quickly as possible. He’s a massive player for us, a natural goalscorer and he’ll be needed this season.
“But it’s maybe a wee chance for others, and I think everyone seen the potential in the performance of young Callum Smith against Hearts.”
Indeed, without Clark, precocious teenager Smith has a golden opportunity to stake his claim for a starting berth after a superb display against Hearts in the Betfred Cup.
The 17-year-old graduate of the Fife Elite Football Academy, who hails from Hill of Beath, tormented the Jambos back-line with his pace and power during the 2-2 draw at Tynecastle Park.
It was his first senior start and he claimed a classy assist for Declan McManus after skinning John Souttar on the flank, adding to his maiden goal for the first-team against Elgin at the start of this season.
Johnston reckons it is only a matter of time before Smith starts to attract admiring glances.
He added: “He is still only 17 and I thought he was incredible at the weekend.
“He caused Hearts all sorts of problems with his work rate and he is only going to get better.
“He’s strong, has a lot of quality and, while he has a lot to learn, he is improving by working with the first-team.
“If he keeps progressing at this rate then there will be a lot of teams looking at him.
“That is why we played him from the start at Tynecastle – we could have sat in, played five in the middle of the park and been under the cosh, but we went there to have a go and Callum was a big part of that.”
Weare hopeful he will be back in around fourtofive weeks. ALLAN JOHNSTON