Thomson targeting 90 minutes

Dunfermline midfielder Joe Thomson is hopeful of completing his recovery from a serious knee injury this afternoon.

The former Celtic youngster has been sidelined for seven months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Ayr United in March.

The 22-year-old made his comeback when he played 45 minutes in a reserve game against his old club a fortnight ago and stepped up his rehabilitation with a 70-minute run-out in a bounce game against Lowland League side Civil Service Strollers last week.

Now, it is anticipated Thomson will complete the full 90 minutes in today’s reserve clash against Dundee United at Kelty Hearts’ New Central Park.

Should he come through unscathed, the playmaker is likely to be recalled to the firstteam squad for Saturday’s trip to face Alloa Athletic.

Manager Stevie Crawford said: “Joe Thomson managed to come through 70 minutes of a bounce game last week, which is really pleasing.

“But we will look at getting him a 90-minute game against Dundee United in the reserves on Tuesday and stick to the plan.

“It is great where he is at, but having spoken to (physios) Kevin (Bain) and John (Porteous), we have just got to make sure we don’t let the sentiment make us take our eye off the ball and push him too early.

“We wanted him to get 45 minutes, then something over the hour mark and then a 90 minutes under his belt.

“Then, we are looking at him having been involved in firstteam training for three weeks, so we will see where we are at with him after Tuesday.”

Meanwhile, new signing Miller Fenton insists joining his boyhood heroes has “changed his life”.

The 16-year-old has been included on the bench for the wins over Arbroath and Queen of the South after stepping up from the Fife Elite youth academy and penning professional terms with the Pars.

The left-back said: “I am excited about signing, I can’t wait, it has been my dream, to be honest.”

Joe Thomson: On the way back from serious injury.