EAST FIFE defender Craig Johnston made his long-awaited return to training last night—11 months after suffering a stroke and discovering that at 19 he had a hole in his heart.

Johnston, whose father Kenny turned out for Dundee United, was hit by the devastating blow only weeks after signing for the Fifers last summer. What seemed an innocuous ankle injury picked up in a pre-season friendly soon caused major concerns for the former St Johnstone youngster, who subsequently suffered a stroke.

Tests showed a blood clot had travelled from his ankle to his brain, causing the stroke and also revealing the need for heart surgery.

“I never really knew what was happening to me at the time,” Johnston said. “It was all a blur and a massive shock. All of a sudden I went from being really fit to not being able to move my arms properly.

“The doctors had never seen something like that happen to such a fit young guy. However, age has been on my side. Some people who suffer strokes end up in wheelchairs but when you are young you tend to heal more easily.”

Johnston, an apprentice joiner away from football, has now banished fears that he wouldn’t play again and is determined to make it at the highest level. He said, “It wasn’t until February I knew I’d be able to get back into the game and that was an enormous relief.

“Watching the team each week was so frustrating as all I wanted to do was join the boys on the park. Now I can’t wait for the new season to start. I really want to repay East Fife’s faith in me because they didn’t have to give me another contract. I’m also desperate to make a successful full-time career for myself.”

Manager Jim Moffat is absolutely delighted that Johnston is ready to return.

“What Craig had to deal with was terrible but he has shown remarkable determination and we all look forward to having him back in the dressing room,” he said. “I am sure he will be apprehensive but we will take every measure to ensure his transition back into action is as smooth as possible.”