The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Blow for Dunfermline as attacker weighs up prospect of surgery
Full-back Ryan Williamson could return for weekend trip to face Morton
Struggling Dunfermline have been struck a major blow after it emerged Kallum Higginbotham is set to undergo an operation.
The 29-year-old has been toiling with a groin injury and limped out of the Irn-Bru Cup victory over Boreham Wood 10 days ago.
The former Partick Thistle and Falkirk attacker was forced to sit out Saturday’s goalless draw with Alloa Athletic and the Pars sorely missed his creative spark in attack as they stumbled to a fourth league game without a win.
The Englishman is scheduled to consult doctors this week over the extent of the problem but manager Allan Johnston has confessed he is anticipating surgery will be required.
Johnston said: “Higgy is going down to see a specialist and there’s every chance he’ll need an operation.”
There was better news, however, regarding Ryan Williamson, who was also sidelined for Saturday’s meeting with Alloa.
The full-back sustained an injury playing for Scotland under-21s in their 3-0 win against Andorra on September 6 and was not deemed fit enough to turn out for the Pars on his return from international duty.
But Johnston is confident the 22-yearold will be back in the fold for this weekend’s trip to face Morton.
Johnston added: “Ryan picked up a knock in the Scotland game but he should hopefully be available for next week.”
Meanwhile, the feel-good factor at Hearts continued yesterday as youngster Callumn Morrison penned a new threeyear deal.
The winger has impressed after making his first-team breakthrough under Craig Levein this season and has been rewarded with a new long-term contract.
The agreement ties the teenager to the Premiership leaders until 2021.
Morrison spent last term on loan at both Stirling Albion and Brechin City but has proved he has a bright future at Tynecastle by featuring in all but one of the Jambos’ matches so far in the current campaign.
The youngster made his sixth start in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Motherwell as the Gorgie men maintained their 100% league record and stretched their advantage at the top of the table to five points.
Morrison said: “I’m delighted to sign a new deal with Hearts.
“The manager has shown a lot of faith in me this season and I’d like to thank him and my team-mates too.
“I’ve really enjoyed my football this season and it’s been great to be part of a team that has started the season so well.”
On the other side of the city, Hibernian are poised to sign Dutch internationalist Miquel Nelom.
The 27-year-old is out of contract after leaving Feyenoord in the summer and was linked with a possible move to Celtic last year.
The left-back, who has been capped twice by the Netherlands, came through the ranks at Feyenoord and played more than 150 times for the Eredivisie giants.
However, after Birmingham City considered a move for the defender in January, he saw out his time at the club on loan at Sparta Rotterdam, where he played under former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat.
It is understood manager Neil Lennon is interested in the player and a deal could be concluded this week.
Higgy is going down to see a specialist and there’s every chance he’ll need an operation. ALLAN JOHNSTON