McPAKE NEEDS SURGERY ON FRACTURED KNEECAP

DUNDEE defender James McPake will undergo surgery today after tests confirmed he has fractured his kneecap but escaped ligament damage. The 31-year-old had an MRI scan in the city’s Ninewells Hospital yesterday to assess the extent of the sickening injury he sustained early in Saturday’s 2-1 home derby win over Dundee United. The former Hibs skipper was stretchered off in visible distress with a dislocated knee after a full-blooded challenge on John Rankin, which earned McPake a booking. To Dundee’s relief, however, tests indicated there had been no damage to their player’s cruciate or surrounding ligaments, allowing surgeons to operate quickly to correct his knee. McPake won’t know how long he will be out until he goes under the knife but he is still expected to miss the remainder of the season and faces an extensive rehabilitation period following surgery. Last night, a Dundee spokesman said: ‘During the Dundee derby at the weekend, James McPake was forced to leave the pitch in the first half due to injury. ‘James went straight to hospital and, following a scan today, the club can confirm that he has suffered a fractured kneecap and will undergo surgery tomorrow. ‘Following the surgery, we will have a clearer picture of timescales for rehab. ‘We would like to acknowledge the professionalism from both sets of players during the match on Saturday, who immediately helped when it was clear James was in significant pain. We wish him a speedy recovery.’