ATHLETIC will monitor the fitness of forward Chris Kane in the build-up to tomorrow night's match with Dundee United.

The on-loan St Johnstone player has missed their last two outings, defeats to Airdrieonians and Raith Rovers. It was hoped he would feature in the Fife derby at Stark's Park on Saturday, but was absent from the squad, and McPake has provided Press Sport with an update.

"We'll wait and see how he reacts. He's doing bits and pieces so we'll see how he is come the end of the week," he said.

Dunfermline Press:

"There's a wee bit going on with him, but it's nothing serious, nothing sinister, but we need to look after Chris and make sure we're getting as many games out of him as we can.

"It's been a tough for him coming in that two of the pitches he's played on, ours and at Firhill (against Partick Thistle), were really heavy.

"He's come from a time of not having played a lot of football, so he's going to get aches or pains here or there, but the important thing for us is to get as many minutes out of Chris as we can, as many games out of him as we can.

"It certainly is just a minor injury, so we'll assess that later on in the week and see how he is for Friday night."

McPake reported that Miller Fenton had picked up an injury and the club was awaiting news on that.

On the positive side, the squad should be bolstered by the return of centre back Sam Fisher. Andrew Tod is also back in training but he's not likely to be involved tomorrow night.

Meanwhile, Tod, Taylor Sutherland and Sam Young have all agreed contract extensions which will keep them at the club until 2026.