After enduring multiple injury setbacks and a suspension, Dunfermline centre back Rhys Breen is making his fourth comeback of the 2023-2024 season. The 24-year-old returned to play the full 90 minutes in the reserves’ cup semi-final win at New Douglas Park on Tuesday.
Rhys had missed the final eight matches of last season through injury but 2023-2024 had all started off so well for the 24 year old who played in every Viaplay group match in July and started the first Championship match of the campaign against Airdrieonians. After being shown red for two yellow cards in that opening league game, Rhys was then suspended for the trip to Tannadice.
Rhys sustained a hamstring injury late in the next game at home to Raith Rovers. That kept him out for five games until returning for the home match against Ayr United on 21st October. The following week Raith were again the opposition when Rhys’ hamstring went in 81st minute at Stark’s Park. He returned 8 weeks later to start the three matches over the Festive period before the Raith hoodoo returned in the Ne’er Day fixture.
On his latest setback, Rhys said: “I went in for a tackle and I landed funnily on my knee. It has been twelve weeks that I have been out for and it is good to be back. I know that I have said it many times but it has been a hard season for myself. I am just happy to be back on the pitch again and hopefully I can try and end the season on a high.
“It has been murder with injuries that I didn’t expect but I have been trying to keep myself fit. It is just one of those things that happen. It is hard to take sometimes but I have got good head on my shoulders so I know when I’m back, I’m flying.”
Despite the frustrations, Rhys remains positive: “It was good to get the minutes into my legs and good to get younger ones into a final, hopefully they can go on and win that. Everybody needed something from the game especially myself. It is good boys got ninety minutes and some boys who haven’t been in the team also getting ninety minutes, that’s a big thing for them going forward in the season.”
Rhys was credited with an assist for Paul Allan’s opening goal in the reserve match, quipping: “I like to add that to my game, it is always good when I do add it to my game.” After a long road back, he is relieved: “I felt brilliant, although in agony after the game but a good agony. I’m just glad that I got the ninety minutes.”
With just 11 appearances to his name this season, Rhys is determined to regain his place in the team but he may have to wait for the opportunity:-
“I want to push into the squad but as long as the squad is doing well, I just need to make myself available. As long as they are winning games by the time I get my chance, I will take it. They have been doing brilliantly, that’s something I cannot fault. They have been absolutely amazing. Once I’m back fully fit, hopefully in a couple more games, I will hope to make an impact.”
Match Report: 26/03/24 – Hamilton Academical Reserves 1 Dunfermline Reserves 3
