Cowdenbeath midfielder Declan Hughes could be in line for a surprise return to the squad as early as next week after recovering well from an ankle injury.
The 19-year-old was forced off during the 3-0 defeat to Rangers on November 4 and it looked like the on-loan St Mirren man could be sidelined for between four and five weeks.
However, Cowden boss Jimmy Nicholl told Courier Sport that the midfielder could well be in contention for next week’s home game against Livingston.
“The swelling is going down really quickly and we think he could be back as soon as next week, which would be fantastic,” Nicholl admitted.
“I never thought he would be back as quickly as that.”
Nicholl also said he was delighted for on loan Celtic defender Marcus Fraser, who earned a call-up to the Scotland U21 squad to face Switzerland on Tuesday.
“It’s absolutely great for him and I know Callum Paterson was called up to the senior squad but it gives Marcus a chance to show what he can do,” he added.
“There’s an opportunity for Marcus to go out and impress.
“He came in at a difficult time, when we were sitting bottom of the league with just one point from six games, but he’s a great lad who goes about the job properly.
“He knows what his job is and what other people’s jobs are, his use of the ball is great, and he’s a great all round player who I’ve got a lot of time for.”