Neil Lennon has revealed Chris Kane is edging closer to a return from injury ahead of Dunfermline’s competitive kick-off against Hearts next weekend.
The talismanic striker was again missing as the Pars defeated neighbours Kelty Hearts 3-1 in a friendly at New Central Park.
However, the former St Johnstone favourite did some extra training on the pitch before kick-off and is expected to step up his recovery from a calf niggle in the coming days.
Summer signing Charlie Gilmour was also absent from the penultimate warm-up outing but is set to play against East Fife as the Fifers complete their Premier Sports Cup preparations on Tuesday.
Second-half goals from Connor Young and youngster Lucas Fyfe earned Dunfermline victory over Kelty after Josh Cooper’s opener had been cancelled out by Lewis Moore before the break.
“Chris Kane was not far away and Charlie is just precautionary because he’s got a massive blister stroke laceration on the sole of his foot,” explained Lennon.
“We were hoping to give him [Gilmour] some minutes today but the medical team said just give it another few days.
“So Charlie will definitely play on Tuesday.
Lennon: ‘It’s a slow burner for him’
“Chris should be fine. He was out doing some physical work today so we’re hoping to get him some minutes in the week.”
Asked if there was a possibility Kane could feature against Hearts at Tynecastle next Saturday, Lennon added: “Some part.
“He’s still a little bit behind the rest of them. It’s a slow burner for him and once we get him fully fit it will be another week or two down the line.”
Dunfermline took another look at trialist Alasdair Davidson and Lennon revealed he is keen to add the freed Celtic youngster to his squad.
Former Cove Rangers keeper Balint Demus is no longer on trial with the Pars however.
“The young lad Davidson has come in and been very, very good,” said Lennon, who handed a debut to new signing Alfons Amade.
“We’re hoping to [sign him]. We’re in the discussion with his agents at the minute so I’m hoping that won’t take too long.”
After a 1-1 draw in Bulgaria with Slavia Sofia and last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to East Kilbride, followed by a 4-1 win over Stirling Albion in a bounce game in midweek, Lennon was satisfied with the workout against Kelty.
Lennon: Dunfermline need ‘more bodies in’
However, despite being ‘really pleased with where we are at the minute’, the former Celtic and Hibernian boss admits his recruitment still needs plenty of work.
“We need some more bodies in, there’s no question of that,” he commented.
“Obviously, a goalkeeper, strikers – I need a couple of strikers in – and the wide areas as well.
“Midfield is strong, we’ve got good variation in there at the minute.
“But we need to add at least five or six bodies to what we already have.”
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