Pars boss didn’t want to see Gaspuitis leave

MOVING ON: Defender Vytas Gaspuitis has left Dunfermline in search of first-team football – but has been praised by boss John Hughes, inset.

John Hughes concedes that he had no desire to see Vytas Gaspuitis leave Dunfermline. The Lithuania internationalist departed the club by mutual consent this week following 11 months at East End Park.

The Pars’ club statement cited Gaspuitis’ desire to return to his homeland amid the difficulties of settling in Scotland during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hughes, meanwhile, revealed that the big centre-back – capped nine times for his country – was also cognisant of his international aspirations after slipping out of the starting line-up in Fife.

Gaspuitis’ departure, allied with on-loan centrehalf Mark Connolly edging closer to a move to Dundalk, has left the Pars in the market for reinforcements beyond the recent arrival of Coll Donaldson.

“I never had a problem with big Vytas and if anybody phones me about him I will put my name to him,” explained Hughes.

“It just so happens that he felt, with not getting a game, it was going to harm his international career.

“You need to look after the players’ welfare as well. The mental mindset of players is massive now. When he wasn’t playing, you could see him dipping a little bit.

“The final conversation with Vytas was that he needed to be playing football on a regular basis for his international future.

“I could not guarantee him that, so we did what was best for both parties.

“If we all conducted ourselves like Vytas then we would be in a better place. I have not got a bad word to say about the big guy.

“He wasn’t one that I wanted to leave but, because it came up, and because of the way it came up, it is one of the reasons why (Coll) Donaldson came in.”

Meanwhile, Hughes addressed the ongoing absence of Iain Wilson, who has not featured since Dunfermline’s 4-2 defeat at Arbroath in October.

“He is just getting himself back on the training pitch but we have really got the reins on him,” added the Pars boss.

“Hopefully by next week he will be in full flight – but he has a bit of catching up to do.”

Meanwhile, Kevin O’Hara admits he is desperate to prove he can lead the line for the Pars.

O’Hara, 23, has found himself restricted to substitute appearances since the arrival of the new manager, with Hughes opting for the energy and physicality of McCann in attack.

“Yogi” has, however, suggested that O’Hara remains the best natural finisher at the club and has summoned the former Alloa and Falkirk marksman off the bench in the Pars’ last six matches.

“The gaffer has spoken to me on a personal level,” explained O’Hara.

“It’s frustrating to be on the bench. I want to be playing every game.

“But I just need to keep working in training every day and showing the manager I’m capable of playing in this team.

“I’ve scored goals at this level, so hopefully I can get a chance to prove that.

“We need to get that balance right between not conceding goals and actually scoring them at the other end.

“There are good options in the front areas and – although no one wants to

Lewis be on the bench – if someone is to come on, then I’m happy that it’s me that’s getting the nod.”

O’Hara’s bid to win over his new gaffer will continue today when Dunfermline visit Cappielow in a nerveshredding relegation six-pointer.

Rock-bottom Morton are just one point behind the Pars and O’Hara is in no mood to understate the importance of the showdown.

The Fifers have not won any of their last nine visits to Greenock.

“It’s a massive game for us,” added O’Hara.

“We know what’s at stake. We’ve prepared well all week and we’re ready for Morton.

“We’re going there for nothing less than three points.

“That’s what we need. It’s a bottom-of-the-table clash and it’s one we need to be winning.”