Dunfermline: James McPake gives injury update ahead of Hamilton clash

The Dunfermline boss watched his side progress to round four of the competition with a 2-1 victory at League Two Edinburgh City, thanks to goals from Dapo Mebude and Matty Todd.

He was, however, without two prominent members of his attack, Lewis McCann and Chris Kane, for the match in the capital.

Ahead of the trip to Meadowbank Stadium, McPake had been hopeful that both players would be available for selection, but neither made the match day squad.

McCann had been absent from Athletic's previous outing, a Championship loss at Ayr United, with a hamstring problem, whilst Kane picked up a calf issue in training in the build-up to the cup tie.

Post-match, McCann was out on the pitch doing sprint work and, when asked if both players would be available soon for a return, with a Championship clash with Hamilton Academical looming, McPake said: "Yeah, well, particularly Lewis. I think he's out there just now.

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"Again, that was my call. We could have had him for today. I can't be accused that he's just bluffing here, because he's standing behind me running pretty quick - very quick, actually.

"Again, it was a case of, is the risk worth it? I didn't think it was today.

"Again, with Kano, we'll assess that over the next couple of days. I would fully expect to have both available for Hamilton next week.

Chris Kane also missed Saturday's tie but could be back for this weekend's league clash with Hamilton. (Image: Craig Brown.) "Certainly, Lewis - 100% we'll have Lewis unless something does happen in the week that's unrelated to this injury.

"He's responded really well to the treatment and, as I said, at certain points in the game, I was wishing I did have him today.

"He's a threat when he's on the pitch for any team at any level. We'll have him back for next week, and that's a bonus for us."