Beadling hit by tonsillitis

DUNFERMLINE: Midfielder could miss Dundee clash due to illness

Tom Beadling is a doubt for Dunfermline ahead of Friday’s TV clash with Dundee.

The former Sunderland midfielder, who was plagued by a thigh problem last season, picked up a hamstring injury in last month’s 2-0 defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle.

And, having shaken off that to make a late substitute’s appearance the last time out against Morton, the 24-year-old has now been struck down with illness.

But manager Stevie Crawford is optimistic the versatile player will be fit for the visit of the Dark Blues as the Pars seek to arrest a worrying run of five straight victories.

He said: “Tom Beadling has an issue with tonsillitis, so he’s on antibiotics.

“He is fully recovered from the hamstring injury he had and then he walked in the other day with his face all swollen.

“It’s frustrating and I just know that

Tom will be frustrated. He’s one who is well liked in the dressing room and one who we need to be challenging for a place in the team.

“Hopefully he makes a speedy recovery and, fingers crossed, he’ll have a good chance of making the game.”

Meanwhile, Crawford insists Dunfermline are ‘working tirelessly’ in a bid to bolster the side for the second half of the season.

Aberdeen youngster Ethan Ross and Kilmarnock winger Dom Thomas are the only arrivals so far – so Crawford has room for improvement in his squad.

He added: “There’s nothing I can say is going to happen in the next 24 hours but we’re working tirelessly, as we always do.

“We’re touching base with a lot of agents and looking to bring in players who are going to help us progress and climb the league.”

SNS. Pictures: Tom Beadling, left, is a doubt for Dunfermline’s clash with Dundee, while boss Stevie Crawford is continuing his efforts to strengthen his squad.