Comrie nears return

Both Craig Comrie and Lewis Coult are closing in on a return to first-team action but Darren Lee Smith is unlikely to be back until next month.

Craig hasn’t played since the 0-0 draw with Airdrie at the end of August due to a groin problem, Lewis has been sidelined with an ankle injury since the 2-0 defeat at Morton on October 11 and Darren suffered a knee injury before the 2-2 draw with Airdrie on October 25.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren said: “Craig and Lewis both trained on Thursday, which is encouraging, and we’ll see how they react during this week.

“Given the length of time they have been out, it is unlikely they would be able to start the Dunfermline game but it would be good to have them to call upon.

“Darren has resumed some light training but we are probably looking at around three weeks before he would be available for the first-team squad.”