From T in the Park to G on the Park

Gall is hopeful that he can be fit for the start of league football and that it is in the SPL

Pars goalkeeper Paul Gallacher is optimistic that he can be back on the park by the end of the month. He has been back in training with the squad since pre season training started on Wednesday and before heading off to make the best of his weekend ticket for T in the Park, went through some light re-introductions to goalkeeping.  Talking exclusively to the website he gave an update on his rehab:-

"It has been a long drawn out process but it is good that I have been able to start back with the boys doing the fitness tests. From the fitness point of view it is fine but the shoulder is a different issue, it is going to take a wee bit of time to get back to the goalkeeping side of things.

"I have done a wee bit today, Saturday morning, with Brian Potter (goalkeeping coach) and have worked really hard. I got a couple of dives in which is quite promising. You are wary, I was initially taking volleys, handling and getting used to the power of shots again. It is gradual but we have done it in stages, baby steps you might say, and we are getting there. So far it has gone well."

Paul's injury incurred at Tynecastle on Saturday 17th December required surgery. That operation on his shoulder was on a shallow joint that had to be given time to heal:-

"That is why I have been out for six months. It is just a case of getting strength into it and then building the confidence to start diving about. You need to believe within yourself that you are structurally sound. It has a mental approach. The more you do it, diving, getting up and down with goalkeeping drills it will come. At the minute we are happy with the progress."

The 32 year keeper is hoping to get in a game towards the end of the month or in the first week of August at the latest, but care will be taken that he is ready for the return:-

"Obviously the gaffer would like me fit as soon as possible. We have a scenario now that we do not know which league we are going to be in, there is no budget at the minute so we don't know what we are doing. The gaffer cannot add and if he has to get a goalkeeper in short term, he will have to have to look for someone. But if I can get myself fit it will make his life easier anyway. So far it is looking positive."

So which league does Paul Gallacher think he will return to?

"Going by history, you would say the SPL that is what has happened in the past. We have a case; Dundee seem to have a case - I don't know how. Things have happened in the past where teams have avoided relegation; at the start of the season it is one in one out, Rangers are out - I don't see it being any clearer than that. In my eyes we should be in the Premier League.

"Players in any walk of life want to have high aspirations and play at the highest level. So we want to play in the SPL. I don't doubt that there would be great games in the First Division but as professionals we want to play at the highest level. I think we deserve to be in the SPL because last season we had the smallest budget in the league; we tried to adhere to that. Obviously at one point we were due money from people and it affected us personally so I do believe we deserve to be in there. Next season will be an interesting one in the SPL and we want to be part of it."