Knives out on Pars

Macca: Come back a step nearer after surgery

Last Saturday as the teams warmed up for the Fife Derby Alex Mill, the stadium announcer dug out and played "Jimmy Mac when are you coming back" while those who had arrived early watched the Pars Manager pass the ball back and forward to his assistant, Gerry McCabe. As Jim McIntyre drilled balls at the goals he says the lyrics did raise a chuckle especially in the knowledge that he was about to have surgery on his long standing injury.

Macca has this week undergone surgery on his achilles and at the age of 37 the Pars Manager has not given up on his playing career.  The surgery in London should allow him to train up to match fitness in around four months.

"I have tried all sorts of comebacks but I was in pain every morning and had to resort to surgery."

Injury restricted Jim to two short appearances as sub last season and he has started only 18 games since joining Dunfermline in July 2006.

The reserve match held behind closed doors this week at New St Mirren Park took place in the Manager's absence. His side lost 3-1 but he was very happy for his squad players to get match practice. Another closed doors match will be held next week against Hearts.

The Manager has not been alone in seeking surgery this week. Stephen Glass over stretched for a ball in training on Monday, ripping a cartilage in his knee. The Pars captain was operated on at Ross Hall on Wednesday. A severe blow to both Manager and player it is hoped that his lay off will be no more than between four and six weeks.

Jim McIntyre would have preferred a home tie from this week's Co-operative Cup draw but describes the trip to Tynecastle on Wednesday 23rd September as "one we can look forward to. We will be the underdogs but we were underdogs last year in cup ties where we caused a couple of surprises."