The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
United attacker vows to come back stronger after surgery
Dundee united: Striker hopes to come back fitter and stronger after going under the knife
Dundee United attacker James Keatings has vowed to return to action better than ever after undergoing surgery to end his latest serious injury ‘nightmare’.
The former Hearts, Hibernian and Hamilton striker has endured a hellish campaign after suffering ankle ligament damage against Buckie Thistle in July and, after enduring several setbacks in his bid to recover, ultimately went under the knife on Monday.
The 26-year-old now faces a gruelling rehabilitation schedule as he battles back to full fitness.
Nevertheless, Keatings was positive following the operation, posting a picture on Instagram from the hospital bed with his thumbs up.
He wrote: “Surgery done thanks to everyone for their messages and support the last couple days. Hard work starts now. Time to get myself back to my best #FitterNstronger #IwillBeBack.”
It is another set-back for the luckless striker, who has managed just 12 starts – scoring four goals – for United since joining from Hibs last summer.
Keatings’ previous stint at Easter Road was plagued by knee, ankle and hamstring complaints, while the marksman also suffered a snapped Achilles while on the books of Celtic as a child.
He added: “It’s been the most frustrating season so far in my career. I haven’t be able to get going for injury problems but I’m hoping after my surgery it will be the end to this nightmare and the start of a new challenge to make sure I get myself back on that park and playing again.”
Meanwhile, United have been handed a major boost after Scott Fraser passed another milestone in his recovery from injury.
The 22-year-old suffered a fractured foot in the 2-0 defeat to St Mirren on December 29 and underwent corrective surgery last month.
It was a recurrence of the same injury that ended his campaign prematurely last season in March – again against St Mirren.
Initial suggestions were that the playmaker would miss the rest of the season. However, the reported Hearts target could now be back training in as little as three weeks after having his plaster cast removed on Monday.
I’m hoping after my surgery it will be the end to this nightmare and the start of a new challenge. JAMES KEATINGS