Murdoch can see light at end of tunnel after ‘devastating’ spell

Dunfermline goalkeeper Sean Murdoch can see light at the end of the tunnel after a “devastating” battle with injury.

Murdoch, 31, has not featured for the Pars this year due to a persistent and increasingly severe hip complaint.

His last outing for the club came in a 2-1 win over Brechin City on December 23, and several comeback bids have been aborted.

After a string of unsuccessful treatments he underwent an operation to cure the problem at the start of this month.

Murdoch will travel to London this morning for a follow-up meeting with his surgeon and, if given the green light to step up his rehabilitation, hopes to be back in action by the start of October.

The former Hibs and Hamilton keeper said: “I’m still on crutches after the operation but I’ll visit the surgeon today and we’ll take it from there.

“It has been a devastating spell for me.

“By the time I’m back you are probably looking at 10 months on the sidelines, which I never expected when I first felt the twinge.

“The difficulty in pinning down the problem was one of the most frustrating things.

“I had cortisone injections and bisphosphonates infusions, which I researched and is something given to cancer patients after their rehab to build strength in the bones. Those didn’t work.

“A third scan showed significant damage in the hip and it was decided that an operation would be needed.

“But, that’s football. If you can’t handle it, you shouldn’t be involved in the game.

“I know it has taken a long time to get it sorted, but hopefully that’s it sorted now.

“I have to say the medical care has been fantastic, top notch. From Dunfermline’s medical team, to the treatment they have paid for elsewhere, I can’t commend them enough.”