Paul Allan is raring to go and he is hoping the season ahead is a better one for him than last.
Despite Dunfermline winning the League One title Paul made only eight appearances in the campaign. He played the first 180 minutes in the matches against Alloa Athletic and FC Edinburgh but then missed the next 25 league matches through injury – a stress fracture to his foot. After an operation and rehab Paul returned to the team in mid March and he hopes that all the hard work involved with pre-season training sets him up to play a bigger role this term. The 23 year old midfielder confirmed:-
“We’re all good to go, the boys are looking forward to it. It’s been a good pre-season, we’ve had a good mix of games and training sessions, and everybody’s just looking forward to the cup on Saturday. We’re just buzzing to get into the competitive matches now especially with the first game being against Raith Rovers. I don’t think you can ask for a much bigger game to start us off. Here’s hoping we can take a win on Saturday.”
Paul played in all the league cup games last season and he feels that he and his team mates are ready for their first match in what is now called the Viaplay Cup. Preparations as expected have been tough but the squad have all returned with good fitness levels.
“The boys have all been very good during pre-season. I feel we’re fitter than ever and we’ve somehow managed to get through all the running sessions that have been put on. It’s been challenging but we’ve all come out the other side of them, and I think you take massive benefits from that fitness-wise.
“I would’ve loved to be more involved last season, but I couldn’t through injury. I was just buzzing to get back. I’m finally fit again, so I’ve just been raring to go.”
Everything since the foot operation has been really good claimed Paul who hopes it continues that way. He has played in all five of Dunfermline’s pre-season games including the full 90 minutes against Cove Rangers and Alloa Athletic. The latter on Tuesday night he felt turned more into a fitness exercise when they went down to ten men:-
“It was another good run out. It was tough in the end, with Chris (Hamilton) getting sent off in a friendly. The first I think I’ve seen – a red card in a friendly, but we just had to work from there. It was hard to get on the ball and try and keep it for spells, but it was a good run out, so there’s benefits to take from that.
“Last season wasn’t ideal for myself fitness-wise, so hopefully I don’t pick up any knocks this season, and I can just have a good run at it. I know you can pick up knocks here and there, but as long as there’s nothing too major, too serious again, I’m just looking forward to the season, and hopefully I can play as many games as possible.”
