The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Boost for McPake in bid to return to action
Defender given green light for important step in long battle back from injury
Dundee’s James McPake has received a big boost after being given the all-clear to take another important step in his rehabilitation.
The 33-year-old centre-half has been out since the 2016 New Year derby with Dundee United when he fractured his kneecap.
The former Hibs defender has undergone surgery and battled courageously ever since to regain full fitness with the club standing by him throughout.
Now, after months spent working hard in the gym, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel for the popular McPake, who has revealed that after a visit to see his specialist in London, he will soon be back on the training field.
He said: “Got the all-clear to get out on the pitch and start the real work now. Boots on tomorrow for the first time in a while!”
Meanwhile, midfielder Glen Kamara will return from international duty with Finland determined to help drag Dundee off the bottom of the Premiership.
Kamara, who could win his first cap in a friendly against Estonia tonight, said: “Dundee come first, definitely.
“All my focus is on Dundee and bringing the club forward.
“Hopefully I can do enough to get some game time over there but Dundee is my priority.”
Kamara believes Finland are a national team on the up, after finishing the World Cup qualifiers well.
He said: “I didn’t get on in the two games but we drew against good teams, Turkey and Croatia.
“People probably didn’t expect those results but we have good players and a good manager.
“I enjoyed it.
“It’s always a pleasure and an honour to get called up. I’m always looking forward to it.
“It’s a test against different players from all around Europe and it’s really good to put yourself up against them in training to see where they are and you are.”