PETER GRANT has revealed that Ryan Dow has been back in training as the Pars boss provided an update on his longer-term injuries.

The influential former Dundee United midfielder, who was vice-captain last season, has been out of action since February after tearing a tendon near his calf during a 4-1 win over Raith Rovers.

The 30-year-old fell to the ground with nobody near him moments before Aaron Comrie scored Dunfermline's second goal of the game, but Grant, prior to yesterday's Championship opener at Greenock Morton, said he has been taking part in some light work on the training pitch.

He also said that Iain Wilson would take a little more time in his recovery, whilst also praising versatile defender Lewis Martin, who missed the entirety of the 2020/21 campaign.

"Ryan's been on the training pitch getting a couple of passing drills and whatever, so that's fantastic news for us as well, and people forget about that," Grant said this week.

"He's like a new signing once he's fully fit so we're really looking forward to having him back.

"Iain Wilson's a little bit longer, but we're really happy where we are at this moment in time."

On Martin's progress, Grant continued: "It's a lot more positive with Lewis. He's getting there slowly but surely.

"We've taken a long time with him and getting the diagnosis correct. All these things are so important.

"He's a fantastic kid as well as being a really good player, so we're biding our time with him to make sure he's right. The most important thing's the kid; we've got to make the right decision for him in everything we do, so we're in very close contact with the physios and whatever who are keeping us up to date with all the stuff that's going on with Lewis.

"There's nothing worse than a manager who keeps coming in every day and asking how you are. It drives you crazy because you feel as if you're not involved in anything.

"That's why simple things like that, talking about the training facility, because Lewis is based here and we're training at Alloa, by the time we come back he maybe doesn't feel that much part of it because his rehabilitation's here. That's why the training facility becomes so important because everybody's on the same pitches, everybody can see what's happening, everybody can be involved and feel involved, so the quicker that happens, the better.

"I'm delighted with him the way he's getting on. As I say, he's a fantastic kid who's worked extremely hard under difficult circumstances."