AFTER a difficult year that started against Forfar it was fitting that Ryan Williamson made his long-awaited return against the same opposition on Saturday.

In August, the popular 20-year-old's season lay in tatters and worries over his future ran through his head as he suffered a horror leg break in a Petrofac Cup tie against the Loons at Station Park.

It was a cruel blow for the full back, who had endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines last season after dislocating his kneecap but, eight months on, Williamson is back fit and in the first team – with a new two-year contract to boot.

Having put pen to paper last Thursday to commit his future to Dunfermline, Williamson was back to his rampaging best for 84 minutes at the weekend before receiving a standing ovation as he was given a well-earned rest.

Speaking to Press Sport this week, a delighted Williamson grinned: "It has been a good few days for myself, especially as it has been a difficult year on a personal level. When I first got my injury and was told at Ninewells that my season was over, I was worried about my contract situation and that I could be unemployed at the end of the season.

"Eventually, I put that to one side and concentrated on getting back fit and playing for Dunfermline, but as soon as the manager spoke to me about a contract, my decision was made.

"I feel that this is right place for me to develop and I can't wait for next year to test myself in the Championship.

"I'm glad to be able to commit myself to the club; they've been brilliant with me since my injury and I've come through the youth academy here as well. It's a massive club with a great bunch of boys, backroom staff and a huge fanbase, so I knew this is where I wanted to be.

"It was a great feeling to play my first game out there since Cowdenbeath; I couldn't wait to run up and down the wing again! I loved every minute of it and I feel stronger and sharper, although my leg gave up on me in the last 10-15 minutes!

"I got a good ovation which I really appreciate and now I just hope to have a run of games between now and the end of the season and come back for pre-season flying."

The sickening leg break suffered by the talented youngster came in unfortunate circumstances with just five minutes left of Athletic's comfortable 3-0 success. Williamson went in for a 50-50 challenge with Michael Dunlop and, when asked if it played on his mind when going in for his first tackle, he said: "There is a bit of you that thinks: 'What is the same happens again?' But you can't think like that and I keep telling myself that I have to just get stuck in. You try to put it to one side and adrenaline got me through on Saturday.

"Injuries happen so there's no point thinking negatively. I've got the confidence to get wired back in and, now I've got that game out the way, I'm just concentrating on trying to play well. A lot of credit has to go to Kenny (Murray, physio) because he's been brilliant with me. I've had a lot of questions for him, he's given me all the advice I've needed and he's put the hours in to do the rehab work with me as well.

"There's a lot of people I need to thank, like Callum Fordyce, who's been a massive help in the gym, Potts (John Potter) has done extra running with me and the gaffer has supported me and kept my spirits up.

"I've had my fair share of bad luck so I hope that's out the way now. I'm really excited for next season and I can't wait to be part of it."