Dunfermline: James McPake gives Pars injury update before Morton clash

The 32-year-old, who returned to training ahead of the SPFL Trust Trophy win over Kelty Hearts on Saturday, will be in the match day pool for the game at KDM Group East End Park, boss James McPake has confirmed.

Benedictus has not featured since the end of August, in a match with Ayr United, after being forced off at half-time due to a hamstring issue, but, speaking to the media today (Friday), McPake said: "Having him back is big for the football club in terms of his leadership.

"He's the captain for a reason and he's a very good captain, he really is. I think the really important thing was we took as long as we could to get it right, to get him up, to get him fit. He's in great condition just now, so he's due a bit of fortune with injury as well.

"Obviously, we see the effect he can have on our team on the pitch, but credit to Kyle because, even when he's not fit, he's still a huge influence in that dressing room.

"It is a young group, and we know that, so helps that and he still does all the work that a good captain would do even when he's not playing.

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"But, certainly, having him back and available for selection is a massive boost for everyone."

Kieran Ngwenya, who returned to the substitutes bench against Kelty after two games out, but did not get on, is also in contention to feature, whilst Tommy Fogarty returns after missing that match due to his involvement with Northern Ireland's under-21s.

McPake is also hopeful of having on-loan Celtic goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi available, having been out since the derby win over Raith Rovers with a thigh issue, whilst he will also wait and see to determine Lewis McCann's availability.

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He did, however, say that Dapo Mebude, who was taken off against Kelty with a gash to his shin, would "probably" miss out against the 'Ton.

"Tobi, he's been training, he's been doing well, so if there's no reaction then we'll hopefully have Tobi available tomorrow as well. We'll wait and see," McPake continued.

"Tobi and Lewis, they're probably the only two that we're waiting on. Obviously, Dapo's got the cut to his shin, so just where it is and how long. It's a superficial injury, and it's disappointing for Dapo, but he'll probably miss this weekend and, then, hopefully it's closed over well enough to get him back training next week.

Tobi Oluwayemi could be back in contention for Dunfermline tomorrow. (Image: Craig Brown.)

"The risk isn't like a hamstring or anything like that, where you're going to be out a longer period. If we did and it opens again then you're just continually doing it.

"I think it's just one we need to get settled so that any time he's running or training there's no risk or we limit the risk that that cut can open up again, so it's just an unfortunate one."

McPake also revealed that centre back, Sam Fisher, was not involved against Kelty due to having Covid, but has returned to training and will be in the squad for tomorrow.

He'll be joined there by Fogarty, who played in Northern Ireland's 5-0 win over Azerbaijan, and 0-0 draw in Luxembourg, in the final two matches of their UEFA Euro Under-21 Championships qualifying campaign.

"I was kind of hoping their game through the week that they would get out of sight and he could maybe get off and give himself a rest, but they got a man sent off early on, and he had to stay on and play," McPake added.

"It's another two good games for him, another two caps added to his collection at under-21s and he's done well in both games. He's back, he's bright and he comes into the squad for tomorrow as well."