McIntyre: Gallacher’s award well deserved

Dunfermline’s Paul Gallacher has been hailed by his manager Jim McIntyre after the goalkeeper was named Clydesdale Bank Premier League player of the month for July and August.

Gallacher saved penalties from St Mirren striker Steven Thompson and St Johnstone midfielder Liam Craig as Dunfermline went unbeaten in the SPL until their 4-2 defeat by Motherwell on August 27. The 32-year-old, who returned to East End Park from St Mirren in the summer, 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.

McIntyre said: “It’s thoroughly deserved. 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, circumstance dictated that.”

Gallacher has eight caps, the last of which came in 2004 and he has been touted for a return to the Scotland set-up.

But McIntyre added: “I would love him to be involved, but Scotland have a very good choice for goalkeepers and Paul’s the wrong side of 30 and that might hamper his chances.”

The Pars lost to East Fife in the Scottish Communities League Cup days before Motherwell ended their unbeaten SPL record and McIntyre admits it has been frustrating following that with the international break.

“It’s been a sore couple of weeks for us as well because we have picked up four injuries. We lost Nicky Phinn and Steven McDougall in a reserve game against Raith Rovers.

“They will be out for a few weeks with a hamstring and a groin respectively. Kevin Rutkiewicz injured his hip in training, and Martin Hardie’s ankle has been giving him gyp.”

However, former Dundee United midfielder Craig Easton will come into the squad for tomorrow’s SPL clash at Kilmarnock. McIntyre said: “He has not played since last season but he looks the part in training.”