Ryan targets return

Wallace prepares to do battle

Ryan Wallace hasn't started a competitive match since 22nd March but he now hopes that his troubles are behind him and he can get down to eventually going through the rigours of another 'pre season' some four months after his last. He told the website that a return to the first team might be possible in late December or early January:-

"It was relieving news to hear that my scan was all clear, it's a great weight off my shoulder and I can get back into action. I have done a little this week with no real reaction to it. It is positive to go forward and I am keen to push on. I want to get back to full fitness, into the team and playing in games."

Ryan's latest problem was with a stress fracture in his back but prior to that he had an inflamed pubic bone and a tear in his abductor. So it will be a cautious approach for the striker who has made 74 appearances since joining from East Fife in June 2012. Ryan has chatted through his comeback with physio Kenny Murray and they think it best if the build up is slow.

"I want to build up to a level of fitness that I can maybe start running next week. It will be three weeks of running and gradually picking it up over the three weeks. Obviously I have to do things like spin classes away from here to keep my heart rate up as well.

"It could be probably four weeks before I can back into full training with the boys. I know it is another month but to be honest I have been out for two months and on and off since February. Another month getting really fit is not going to cost me anything. I am looking forward to it."

The recipe for recovery was simply resting. This was something that has been driving 24 year old Ryan round the twist.

"I wasn't allowed to do anything, I wasn't allowed to go out and sitting in the house was making me mental. I had to sit in my bed all day and watch tv. I gets boring, you just want to be in at training.

"On my first day back me and Kenny did four lengths in the pool and I was knackered that night. The next day I was feeling good so we went and did another session. It is gradual progression after each day.

"I don't think anybody would tell you that they are looking forward to a pre season but actually I am looking forward to getting up to speed. Being out all the time is frustrating I know for people on the outside but for me it is very very frustrating. I want to be in helping the team to where we need to be. It is more frustrating for me and I want to do things that my body is not allowing me to do."

A first team appearance will be at least five weeks away but Ryan is hoping to return in an under 20s match to get some match practice.

"I imagine I might play two or three for the under 20s before I am considered for the first team. It is the manager's choice if he wants to put me on the bench.

"First and foremost I need to get fit in these initial four weeks. They will be tough so that I can get back into training. It is not easy going into training with its high tempo every day so it will take me at least a week to get up to speed. It all depends on how quickly I pick it up."