PETER GRANT has said he is “absolutely positive” that Dunfermline will have enough numbers to face Ayr United this weekend.

The Pars boss is hopeful that two players, whose identity he didn’t reveal, will resume training today (Thursday) after a week that saw their SPFL Trust Trophy clash at Elgin City called off.

The League Two side were awarded a 3-0 victory last week after Athletic informed the governing body that they could not fulfil the fixture, due to what chairman Ross McArthur described as a “fluid COVID situation”, in addition to injuries and international call-ups.

Kai Kennedy, who started Scotland under-21s’ draw in Turkey in their opening European Championship qualifier, and Vytas Gašpuitis, who is with the Lithuania squad, are expected to come back into contention for the trip to Somerset Park.

Grant, who revealed that a further three more players would have been declared unavailable to face Elgin on Friday had the game gone ahead, explained: “It’s just one of those things at this moment in time.

“I know everyone’s going through similar situations so we have to accept it and you have to get on with it. It is a free-flowing situation with that, the COVID situation.

“We picked up a few unforeseen injuries but there’s nothing you can do about that; that’s just football. The upside is we’ve had a couple of guys come back in this week. They’ve not joined in with us yet – hopefully they’ll be able to join in with us come Thursday – and it’s great to see them back in the building.

“It’s not been ideal. When you’ve had a result and a performance the way we did previously (against Arbroath), you just want to get back on the horse and play again, no matter what game it is.

“I’m absolutely positive we’ve got more than enough players for this weekend.

“The first part of the week has not been great but, as I say, come Thursday, hopefully everybody that’s been out in respect of the illness, they’re back in and will be able to join in with the group again, and obviously we’ve got the two international boys coming back as well.

“There’s one or two that’s been carrying a knock that would’ve missed Saturday that’s missed the first part of the week. I’m hoping that both are going to be in by Thursday; if they can both be in by Thursday, we’re more comfortable with our number then.”

Grant, who revealed one of his players picked up an injury at home but would hopefully return to training today, was more upbeat on the progress of long-term injured trio Lewis Martin, Iain Wilson and Lewis McCann.

“We’re getting there. The great thing is they’re all progressing a lot quicker than where they were,” he continued.

“It’s fantastic to see them progressing but the only thing is there’s no timescale on it. Every day’s a progression for them.

“They are still a wee bit away from the first team involvement but the progression’s there. That is definitely a plus because, for them, it must seem like an eternity.

“I know they’re good players, I know they’re talented boys, and it’ll be fantastic once they can get back in and be available for the group.”