DAVID HOPKIRK says that he may need to consider going out on loan in a bid to kick-start his season.

The luckless 24-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, has endured an injury-ravaged campaign that has restricted him to just six appearances for the first team – all from the bench.

Things looked rosy for the versatile former Annan man in the summer after he was handed a two-year contract by boss Allan Johnston but he admitted he hasn’t been cheered much by the Pars’ Championship return.

Hopkirk scored in the opening day win over Dumbarton before featuring in Athletic’s next two games but he has not played since October’s defeat to Hibernian and isn’t sure whether he’ll make a temporary move this transfer window to find some game time.

He told Press Sport: “I’ve done my back, my hamstrings twice, my left ankle and, on my first day back (in training) a few weeks ago, I hurt my right ankle. I’m fit now but I don’t know if I’m in the manager’s plans; there was talk of a loan a while ago but I’ve not spoken to him. I know that he likes me but maybe I could go out on loan, get my confidence up and enjoy my football again, because I’ve not enjoyed it much this season.

“I try to stay match-fit but I’ve broken down that many times I’m not as sharp. I missed pre-season and have done a lot of running on my own with Kenny (Murray, physio) but I’m back now. I’ve not really been involved all season but I’m fit, I’m in the gym every night and I just want to play.

“I don’t know where I stand but we’ll see what happens.”

When asked whether he’d endured such an injury-hit spell in his career, Hopkirk continued: “I broke my foot when I was at Annan and was out for five months but that’s been about it. I wasn’t injured last season and was waiting for my chance so it is frustrating.

“I had knots in my hamstrings against Hibs and I tried to play through it and then I think I was meant to start against Dumbarton but my hamstring went when I jumped for the ball in training. I’m just waiting to kick on and avoid injury but it has been difficult.

“After we played Celtic (for the under-20s last month) I scored but felt sore and hadn’t trained the week after. But I’ve had no issues since I changed my boots; I’m wearing studs but with blades I couldn’t move, so I’m not sure if it’s something as simple as that.

“It has helped having the right people around me – my girlfriend and family have been brilliant – and I am lucky that I am playing football. Obviously I was full-time when I was younger but before coming here I was working in a shop, so it is much better than working eight-hour shifts!

“I’m at the age now though where I need to be playing. I know I’ve got the ability but it’s about trying to find a position. I’ve played everywhere – up front, left wing, right wing – and I’ve had to try to adapt to that.

“The boys have been doing OK but I’ll keep training away.”