LONG-TIME Dunfermline absentee Greg Shields is closing in on a return, writes Graeme Dey.

Shields hasn’t played since pulling a ham-string during the away leg of the Pars’ UEFA Cup tie with BK Hacken on August 30.

But eight weeks on from undergoing back surgery aimed at restoring him to full fitness, the defender has resumed jogging.

He could be back in full training around the end of the month.

“I started running last Monday and, although we are talking snail’s pace, that was at least a step in the right direction,” said Shields yesterday.

“And the encouraging thing from my point of view is that by the end of the week I’d managed to step things up and was still pain free.

“At this stage I’m not even thinking about playing again but the way I’m progressing I should be ready to join in training three weeks from now.

“To even contemplate a reserve game, though, I’d need to train for three to four weeks.”

Shields is hopeful the operation—which involved two soft fusions and a buckle like implant around his spine—will stabilise his back and prevent any further hamstring trouble.

“I’d had a problem since last January when I pulled a hamstring up at Tannadice,” he said.

“From then on my hamstrings were always tight and my back sore. If I bent over I was in pain.

“Thankfully, however, the op seems to have worked.”

Meanwhile, as a gesture of goodwill in the wake of last Saturday’s late call-off, Dunfermline have offered to make a contribution towards fans’ travelling costs.

The bill for the disabled supporters’ bus will be paid in full, but the club have said they cannot afford to reimburse everyone.

In a statement issued on the club’s website the board of directors said they fully understood the fans’ frustration.

The Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Partick Thistle was called off at 1.45pm with hundreds of Pars fans having already made the journey.

Those who organised buses to Firhill should get in touch with Joe King at the club on 01383 745960, or by Email at joe@dafc.co.uk.

There will be a free DAFC bus leaving for next week’s replay from outside Legends Bar at 5.15 pm.

Anyone wishing to book a place should call 01383 724295.