KANE RITCHIE-HOSLER has made progress in his recovery from ankle surgery after his manager revealed he has begun jogging.

James McPake told Press Sport on Tuesday that the talented 20-year-old, who completed a permanent move from Rangers in the summer, was "moving pretty well" but would be assessed yesterday (Wednesday) to ensure he did not suffer an adverse reaction.

The former Manchester City academy star enjoyed a richly successful loan spell with Dunfermline last season, after which the club moved to secure his services on a three-year deal.

However, after playing in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer, against FC St Pauli, the winger suffered an ankle injury in training, which required surgery.

It was envisaged that Ritchie-Hosler, who has had the operation, would miss up to three months, but McPake was delighted for the player that he has been able to do some fitness work as he begins the road to recovery.

"That's four weeks post-op, so he's now got the boots back on and doing bits and pieces so, for the boy, that's great," he said.

"He'll feel like a footballer again. He's out on the grass and having to do the work.

"He's worked extremely hard in the past four weeks since the surgery but, again, that's not a surprise because he is a hard working boy, and he is dedicated to be the best he can be.

"It probably gives everyone a boost when you see him out (on the training field), even if it's light jogging. It's good for him because the squad are close, and they felt, and they do feel that. When one of their team-mates gets injured, they feel for them, so it gives everyone a boost seeing Kane out running.

"I'm sure that'll be boost will be the same when Matty gets his surgery, and then, after that, he's back on the grass as well.

"It's time, and we'll take our time to get them right. When we do get them right, we know we've got two very good players."

Matty Todd, who also suffered an ankle injury against Annan Athletic in a Viaplay Cup match last month, and is likely to be out for a similar timeframe, is due to undergo surgery today (Thursday) in the first stage of his recovery.

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McPake also hopes to welcome back summer signing, Michael O'Halloran, this weekend, having been absent since the first Viaplay Cup tie with Raith Rovers, but said there was no update in relation to potential incomings.

Despite that, he has again been linked with former St Johnstone star David Wotherspoon - a team-mate at Hibernian, and with whom assistant boss, Dave Mackay, also played alongside at the Perth club - with the Daily Record reporting yesterday that a contract offer had been made.

"We are working away. Again, it's the boring answer, but we're working hard to improve this squad," he said.

"Michael's desperate to be back involved, and he's working really hard at that as well. He's going to be a massive asset to us when we get it right.

"Again, we be cautious with the fact we're very early in the season, and we don't want to be reckless and risk a 12 week, or whatever time it would be, if we're reckless and not cautious enough with the injury."

The manager added he has no other fitness concerns ahead of Saturday's Championship opener with Airdrieonians.