Martin Hardie back for Dunfermline

DUNFERMLINE manager Jim McIntyre has been boosted by the return to training of Martin Hardie after more than two months on the sidelines.

The midfielder has been plagued by a nagging ankle injury that he picked up in the first game of the season against St Mirren. Hardie, who played a massive part in the club’s promotion to the SPL last season, has not featured for the struggling Fifers since the 4-2 defeat to Motherwell on 27 August.

McIntyre is delighted to have the 35-year old back after revealing this week he will be without Nicky Phinn and Kevin Rutkiewicz for at least another six weeks due to hip and hamstring injuries respectively.

McIntyre said: “Martin has trained well so far this week.

“It’s been great to just see him back on the training pitch and getting involved with the lads again.”