Crawford will take it easy with Longridge’s comeback

Stevie Crawford admits it was “unfair” of him to pitch Louis Longridge straight back into action with Dunfermline at the weekend after nearly four months out.

However, the Pars manager has vowed not to expect too much too soon from the former Hamilton Accies attacker as the summer signing completes his recovery from injury.

The 27-year-old underwent surgery on a hip problem before Christmas and had not played first-team football since October 27 before his 20-minute cameo on Saturday.

The former Falkirk forward helped the Fifers see out a 1-0 win over Inverness Caley Thistle to hand Crawford his first victory since taking over as manager five games ago.

And the new East End Park boss has confessed he will have to be careful with Longridge’s comeback after just one half of football for the reserve team before the weekend’s run-out.

Crawford said: “It was probably unfair to Louis. He only played 45 minutes against Ross County on Tuesday in the reserve game.

“But he did that well and he has looked that good in training, you are turning round and saying ‘OK on you go’.

“He has been a miss because he is an infectious character. He is a good character to have about the place and he is bubbly.

“When things aren’t going well for you, he is probably the boy that you want to turn to, to dig it out.

“He doesn’t fold, so it is great for him. We will just have to make sure that we don’t push him too much too early.”