Durnan edging closer to return from injury

Dunfermline have been given some welcome injury news after manager Allan Johnston revealed defender Mark Durnan is closing in on a comeback.

The former Dundee United and Queen of the South stopper has been sidelined since the derby victory over Falkirk on October 6 because of a groin complaint and underwent an operation a month ago.

The 25-year-old has been stepping up his rehabilitation in recent days and will be expected to make his return in the coming weeks, if he comes through unscathed.

Midfielder Tom Beadling, who has been troubled by a recurring thigh injury that has restricted him to just three appearances all season, is also on the recovery trail after another setback recently.

Johnston said: “Mark Durnan is getting closer. He’s probably going to start joining in with parts of training this week at some point, if it keeps progressing the way it has been.

“Tom Beadling is coming back again. We just need to be really careful with him and build up his rehab really slowly.

“Hopefully, he’ll be a big boost for us when he comes back.”

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that the Pars Supporters’ Trust provided the funds for Dunfermline to enjoy an overnight hotel stay ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ross County.

The Fifers succumbed to a fourth defeat in their last six games but the fans’ group were happy to help out.