TEN weeks on from suffering a knee injury which kept him out for the latter stages of last season, Pars star Ewan Otoo is excited to be back with his teammates for pre-season training.

While manager James McPake admitted he is "dipping in and out" of the squad's preparations for the new campaign as he continues his recovery, the midfielder is happy to be back on the road to fitness in what he admits is a big season for him and the team.

“A lot of people saw how good we could be when everyone was fit," he said. "Hopefully we can keep that up this season and have a good season as a team.

"It feels like another big season for me, I’m just looking to keep improving. I know I had a good year last year but that’s not enough. I need to keep going and keep getting better every day, every game. That’s just my mindset so another big year for me.”

READ MORE: Player pathway vital for Pars' new academy chief

Otoo has spent the summer break working to get back into good shape and is now looking forward to getting back into contention.

"It was a drag over the summer months but first things first. I’m a footballer here, I am here to play football so I had to do what I had to do just to be fit, I didn’t see it as too difficult," he said.

"I recovered well over the summer, I have worked hard and been in the gym most days. I have been seeing the physio a lot, he gave me a good programme to do and we did a lot of work when I was in here. I’m feeling good, feeling strong and I should be back in full training with the team within the next week or two.”

Ewan’s knee injury meant he missed the final three league games of the season having started 37 league and cup matches and played in all but 31 minutes of them.

He continued: “It is the kind of thing that you cannot control. I just got my head down, worked hard and looking to replicate last season this season.

READ MORE: Pars boss focusing on fitness as pre-season gets underway

“I’m looking to start off strong, that work that I have put in has shone through. I’m feeling like my knee has recovered really well.

"I hope to be available to the manager to be able to be selected, playing to a standard where he doesn’t feel that I need to come out of the team. That’s what I’m looking to do this season, kick on even more and have an even better season.”

With Josh Edwards' exit to Charlton, Otoo is aware he may need provide cover if called upon.

“I’m just happy to play anywhere," he added. "I feel that I can play in that position so if I’m needed to play there then I am happy to play there.”