The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hughes’ focus on Pars defence trio
Dunfermline boss John Hughes insists Lewis Martin has “caught the eye” as the luckless defender seeks to reignite his career.
Martin has not featured in a senior game for the Pars since a 1-1 draw at Partick Thistle in March 2020, missing the entirety of the 2020-21 campaign due to a persistent calf complaint.
Prior to that, the 25-yearold played just two matches during the 2018-19 season after undergoing groin surgery and suffering subsequent setbacks.
Martin is now out of contract but is injury-free and still training with the Fife club.
He also impressed in a 30-minute cameo in a bounce game against Hibs last Tuesday, in which the Pars ran out 4-1 winners.
“Lewis did really well against Hibs,” said Hughes.
“He got 30 minutes, is injury-free and has been training every day.
“We were looking to get a bounce match this week because he does need game-time.
“The way he conducts himself certainly catches the eye. He has been here for a number of years, can play in a number of positions and he’s a nice boy
“Lewis gets his head down and gets on with the work. He is someone I am asking a lot of questions about.
“But he needs to get fit. Not in terms of being injury-free, but in terms of getting up to speed.”
Hughes also addressed the future of loan defender Mark Connolly, who is due to return to Dundee United on January 16.
The experienced centrehalf has been a standout since arriving at East End Park and Hughes describes him as a manager’s dream.
Connolly has made it clear that he would be open to remaining in Fife for the rest of the campaign should his first-team opportunities be limited at Tannadice.
“Mark Connolly is a
manager’s dream and we will need to see what Dundee United’s plans are,” continued Hughes.
“He is a good professional, gets the boys going and demands from them on the training pitch.
“We need that experience because I still think that we are a bit short of that.
“But Mark is enjoying his football. Footballers can be so fragile with the wrong word, so let’s just let him enjoy it until the time comes.”
Hughes, meanwhile, confirmed that defender
Rhys Breen is set to return to the Dunfermline fold for tomorrow’s visit of Queen of the South.
The former Rangers youngster has been absent since limping out of the Pars’ 2-1 victory against Inverness last month.
He then suffered a setback in a bounce match against Hibs last week, picking up a shoulder knock.
However, Hughes still believes the sky is the limit for the big stopper.
“Big Breeny was taken off against Inverness and was
out for 10 days,” added Hughes. “He played against Hibs but got carried off with a shoulder injury.
“He did train last Thursday and Friday but it was just a little too early for him.
“But we have really high hopes for Rhys.
“I’ve been really into him in terms of telling him that he can be a really big player for us.
“We want competition for places so, with a good week of training under his belt, he will come into contention for Saturday.”