Dunfermline look to have moved a step closer to signing Hibs’ Fraser Murray after the midfielder scored in Saturday’s friendly against Stenhousemuir.
The Pars are keen to land the 21-year-old on loan for the season and he featured as a trialist at the weekend after training with the East End Park outfit.
Murray has not played at all for Hibs this season, with his last of just six appearances under Jack Ross coming against Livingston in February.
The Easter Road outfit are said to be happy for the youngster to head out on loan, with the player himself eager for more game-time.
His 30-yard drive into the top corner to earn Dunfermline a 1-1 draw with Stenny will have helped convince Dunfermline of his qualities, but it is understood no deal is yet close to being finalised.
Meanwhile, defender Aaron Comrie admits rustiness was always going to be a problem for the squad after so long out.
The Pars returned to training late last month and Saturday’s closed-door encounter with Stenhousemuir was their first full match since their 1-1 draw with Partick Thistle on March 10.
But Comrie insists the Fifers, who face Spartans on Tuesday night and East Fife this weekend, will feel the benefit of every outing they get under their belts between now and their Betfred Cup opener against Dumbarton on October 6.
The former St Johnstone full-back said: “We felt the better of it but it still felt as if we had that time off.
“You could sense the lack of match sharpness but as the games come thick and fast it will be good to get that match fitness back and see the boys progressing.
“That was our first 11 v 11 match since March and it was so important just to give everyone a run out.”