High hopes Ryan Wallace will be ready for Dunfermline’s promotion push

Jim Jefferies is optimistic Ryan Wallace will be restored to fitness in time to boost Dunfermline’s promotion push after the top scorer made his comeback at the weekend.

The former Hearts and East Fife striker had made just one appearance in nine weeks because of a groin problem but was handed a surprise cameo run-out late in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Arbroath.

The 23-year-old will now be given longer against Rangers this weekend in a bid to ready him for the first leg of the play-off semi-finals next Wednesday.

Jefferies said: “It was good to see Ryan back.

“I thought he had a really good 15-minute spell, so we will need to look after him this week, give him a wee spell next week (against Rangers) and then hopefully we will have him for the play-offs.

“One or two will have to play against Rangers, particularly Ryan, because he needs game time under his belt before we go into the play-offs.”