Dunfermline: James McPake's delight as Matty Todd returns

The 22-year-old is set to return to the squad for tomorrow night's match at Partick Thistle nine weeks since his last appearance, at Arbroath, two days before Christmas.

Todd, who will be joined in the pool for the game at Firhill by Alex Jakubiak, has made just nine appearances so far this season, having sustained an ankle injury in July that required surgery and ruled him out until November.

Having scored 11 goals last term, and netted twice in this, he has been a key player for McPake, who admitted his side have felt the effects of his absence.

"He's different to, not just most players in our squad, but most players in any squad in this league with his forward runs," the manager explained.

"But, not just that, he's a real goal threat. The numbers he hits in terms of getting about the pitch, he can look after the ball, and I know he's played here as a right back at times as well, so he's got a real game intelligence about him for such a young kid.

"The only benefit of him being out is it's kept anybody from looking at him, which isn't great for us or him, because a Matty Todd in our team would've been perfect this year in this league.

READ MORE: Pars miss out on Ashcroft as ex-defender joins Raith

"I'm delighted to get him back. He's worked hard again, showed real maturity really to come through that injury again, and then to come back and hit the ground running in training.

"I've probably said this over and over since I came in but he's a player I love working with. He takes information on, he's desperate to get better, and we're desperate to get him back as well because Matty Todd - and Alex Jakubiak, but since we're talking about Matty Todd - Matty Todd in our squad makes it a far better squad.

"Whether he's starting the game, coming off the bench or just taking part in training, he's a very good player, and one that we've badly missed in my opinion."