CHRIS KANE is likely to return for Saturday's Fife derby after missing last night's defeat to Airdrieonians.

Dunfermline boss James McPake revealed that the 29-year-old, who netted his first goal since joining on loan from St Johnstone in Saturday's win over Ayr United, was absent due to "fatigue".

The forward missed the draw at Inverness Caledonian Thistle last midweek with illness and, after returning to lead the line against the Honest Men, was again absent from the squad for the clash with the Diamonds.

READ MORE: 'We didn't work the goalkeeper enough' says Pars boss after Diamonds defeat

The Pars travel to Stark's Park to play Raith Rovers this weekend, and McPake said: "It's another one in quick succession where the squad's going to be needed.

Dunfermline Press:

"Tonight, it was great getting Kane (Ritchie-Hosler) some minutes, Matty his first 90 minutes - and he looked like he could keep going, so he’ll recover now.

"We’ll get Chris Kane back as well, and (Kyle) Benedictus was close to playing tonight, but I just felt the two centre backs had done great in the last two games and, to be fair to those two, I thought they were decent again. They didn’t have too much in terms of last-ditch stuff to do.

"We’ll pick them back up, we’ll recover on Wednesday and then we’ll be ready for Saturday."

Dunfermline Press: James McPake will take his team to Fife rivals Raith Rovers on Saturday.James McPake will take his team to Fife rivals Raith Rovers on Saturday. (Image: Craig Brown.)

Expanding further on Kane's absence, McPake explained: "It was just real fatigue, I think.

"He was ill last week and he only trained on the Friday, and then put in a great shift on a heavy pitch on Saturday.

"He’s not played a lot of minutes over the last however long, so we’re very cautious with him in the hope that allows him to get a run now."

A major plus from the game was the return of Ritchie-Hosler, who had been absent since late November after suffering a dislocated shoulder in a win over Arbroath.

His 56th minute entrance as a substitute was only his sixth appearance of an injury-ravaged season, during which he has also undergone ankle and knee surgery.

"I think it shows you the work he’s done," McPake added.

"He’s been frustrated. He had to wait until a certain date to get the scan done again. I’m delighted to have him back.

We’ll need to be patient with him until he gets up to his standards, but I’m delighted to have him back. He’s a great kid and he’s got a lot to offer."