RETURNING Pars star Matty Todd has revealed that having surgery on his nose has allowed him to enjoy a more peaceful night's sleep for the first time in the best part of a year.

And, now that he's back, the 22-year-old can smell the start of the competitive season on the horizon and is eager to be as fit as he can for it beginning a week on Saturday.

The midfielder, a former Dunfermline High School pupil and boyhood Dunfermline fan, made his first appearance of pre-season in Tuesday's draw with St Johnstone, playing 61 minutes before being substituted.

It was the all-action player's minutes on the pitch since April's 5-0 demoltion of Queen of the South, a game in which he netted as the Pars secured the League One title.

Todd, who scooped several club player of the year accolades, and was shortlisted for PFA Scotland's League One prize, missed the final three games of the season after having his appendix removed.

He then required surgery, which was done just over three weeks ago, on an issue with his nose, which had left him unable to breathe out of one of his nostrils, which impacted on his breathing.

Todd was also unable to join in with full contact training until last week, and took to the pitch wearing a protective mask, which he will need to use for the immediate future.

"I had the surgery done three weeks past Monday there, and as soon as I was out the hospital, they'd ordered that mask," he explained.

"Since I've been back in, I've got used to wearing the mask, so it's not a problem when I'm out there on the pitch.

"I'm buzzing to be back out there. It's been a long time since I've been out on the pitch. Obviously, I had my appendix, and then, at the start of this season, I had to get my nose done. I was just buzzing to be back out tonight, get 60 minutes in my legs, recover, and go again on Sunday (against Heart of Midlothian).

"It has been a long time, but I've been taking it easy with the things that I've had in the past couple of months, especially with the nose, so I'm delighted to be back involved with the boys, and kick on for the new season."

Todd continued: "I've not been allowed to do any contact stuff up until last Wednesday.

"I had to get the splints taken out of my nostrils, so I had to go back to the hospital last Tuesday to get them taken out. Ever since that, I've been involved in contact training.

"I just want to thank Tadhg (O'Carroll), the physio, he's done a great job with me since I came back in. He's put me through my paces and worked on non-contact stuff, just to try and keep me ticking over.

"I've been out there doing, as most of you know, laps of the pitch with the rest of the boys.

"It's 100 times better than what it was. I couldn't breathe out one nostril throughout the last year, but, as soon as I came out the surgery, it was superb. I'm not going to lie - loved it!

"Since the splints came out, I've had no bother with it."

When asked if the issue had caused difficulties day-to-day, even outwith football, Todd replied: "To be fair, it was more in the sleep. I'd always struggle at nights trying to sleep, just breathing out one nostril, breathing out my mouth and what not.

"In three weeks, I've not had any problems at night. It's good to get back into a routine where I can sleep properly, I can run about properly, instead of breathing out my mouth and what not, so it's good."

"I'm just delighted to be back out there. I love it, I love playing here, so I just want keep kicking on again and adding more minutes.

"It's just about adding more minutes now. Hopefully I'll be involved on Sunday against Hearts, and then, you never know, against Alloa next Tuesday.

"This is the time to add to your match fitness, and I've got the chance to do that again."