Dunfermline goalkeeper Paul Gallacher has been named Clydesdale Bank Premier League player of the month for July/August. Paul's award comes after saving penalties from St Mirren striker Steven Thompson and St Johnstone midfielder Liam Craig. These saves were crucial in maintaining the Pars unbeaten record until they faced Motherwell on the last Saturday in August.

Paul who joined Dunfermline from St Mirren in the summer paid tribute to the defence in front of him:-

"They have been playing well as well and limiting a lot of the work that I have got to do. It is really the penalty saves and one other save that has got me this award. I am delighted to get it but it is really a team effort here, we are all working for each other and it has emulated in a decent start to the season.

"The gaffer phoned me and told me that I had won it so it was a surprise. A welcome award."

The former Scotland international, also made what Dundee United manager Peter Houston called a "world-class save" when he pushed Scott Robertson's volley on to the post during a 1-0 victory at Tannadice.

Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre praised Paul Gallacher for his award. He said:-

"It's great that he has got this recognition. He has had two fantastic penalty saves but he has also had a couple of top-drawer saves. He is a top keeper and I knew what I was bringing.

"He would never have left here if we hadn't been relegated; we were dictated to by circumstance. I spoke about it when I signed him; I played with him and I know what he is like. I know how he reacts.  If he has a poor game you know how he will bounce back."

Asked who he could compare Paul to, Macca put forward Gordon Marshall as one of the keeper's that he has admired in the past:-

"Gordon Marshall came for everything, he was a great talker, great professional and did really well - Gall is up there as well.  The biggest thing with a modern day keeper is being able to use their feet; Paul Gallacher is exceptional with his feet. He can ping it where he wants to put it nine times out of ten. He is also very vocal at the back."

Macca admitted that it had been a sore couple of weeks for his team following the back to back defeats away to East Fife and at home to Motherwell. Add to that four injuries and it has been a disappointing time for the Pars boss. Nick Phinn and Steven McDougall were injured in the Fife Cup Semi Final game against Raith Rovers so they will be out for a few weeks with a hamstring and a groin respectively.

"Kevin Rutkiewicz is struggling as well, he injured his hip in training, and Martin Hardie's ankle has been giving him jip since the last game and it's just not improved in time. So that's been a big blow."

However, former Dundee United midfielder Craig Easton will come into the squad for Saturday's SPL clash at Kilmarnock after joining Athletic just before the visit of Motherwell.

"He has only played one 90 minutes in three months, he has not played since last season but he certainly looks the part in training and he has always been a naturally fit boy. So he'll be in the squad and he'll be in contention for a place."