Nick nearly new

"I have been a wee bit more cautious with doing a bit more work with the physio before going back into full training

Nick Phinn is hopeful that he is nearing the end of the long and arduous road to recovery. A torn hamstring sustained in pre season training in Austria has caused the 23 year old to have the most frustrating season of his career.

His sole appearance for the first team was off the bench against Aberdeen in the home game at the end of November but his days spent at the pool or in the gym could well be coming to an end. He is back in training and even disappointed that there is unlikely to be a bounce game to return in next week because the SPL game at Celtic Park has been brought forward.

"Another full week training might work in my favour. I do feel better but the last time I came back I had only had one week's training. I am no longer confident to say that's me 100 per cent. There is always that doubt in your mind that there's something around the corner. I am concentrating on positive thinking and this time I have been a wee bit more cautious with doing a bit more work with the physio before going back into full training. Hopefully that will stand me in good stead."

Nick claims this time he feels really good and described his progress:-

"The day after you are stiff but you can deal with that as long as nothing comes of it. It has been four or five weeks now of long distance running then short sharp then offline and then gradually bringing in the ball. I have covered everything before joining into a training session.

"I have had three or maybe even four breakdowns. You would love to be back in training but you need to take your time or you end up setting yourself back. There is no point in doing that because I have been out for long enough already."

The scan on the initial injury revealed a grade one hamstring tear but he felt in himself that something just wasn't right. The player ended up going to see a London doctor who gave him an injection in his back but at the end of the Aberdeen match he had a further breakdown:-

"I thought before that I was right and came back too quick. I have never really had an injury like this and never had to deal with the knock on effects of long term injury. You wish that you never have to but now that I have, it has made me a stronger person. It is hard mentally coming in and seeing the boys training, that kills you."

After playing for three seasons in the First Division Nick's 12 minutes this season are all that he has managed to add to his previous SPL experience that totals 137 minutes in three matches near the end of season 2005-06. He made his first team debut when he came on as a substitute for Mark Burchill at Tynecastle then a week later, at the age of just 17, he became the youngest ever player to start in the SPL for the Pars when he turned out in the 0-0 draw against Falkirk in April 2006.