Dunfermline boss John Hughes is set to run the rule over three trialists during a bounce match against Falkirk on Tuesday afternoon — and welcome back Dom Thomas.
The Pars made their third signing of the January transfer window on Monday evening, with the arrival of Joe Chalmers following the captures of Stevie Lawless and Coll Donaldson.
And Hughes is keen to add another ‘one or two’ bodies to his ranks before deadline day.
To that end, he will offer several hopefuls the opportunity to shine against the Bairns — with one player representing a firm target.
“We’re hoping to look at three trialists,” said ‘Yogi’. “We’ve got two already, and are hoping to get another involved.
“With one of them, it’s not a case of ‘being on trial’. It’s a case of him coming up and us seeing his character.
“We have done a lot of due diligence on him but you don’t want to sign anyone blind.
“It’s important to get them up for a few days, have a chat with them — see their attitude, desire and where they want to go in football.”
However, Dunfermline’s proposed loan swoop for Dundee United midfielder Flo Hoti has stalled, with Hughes confessing: “That one has gone a little bit cold, to tell the truth. There’s a little disappointment there.”
Asked whether fans can expect a flurry of late business, he added: “We are working ever so hard. That’s six players who have been put out so we can bring in fresh blood.
“The supporters need to appreciate that and trust us. If we can get another one or two of the ilk of Lawless and Donaldson, then I’m sure they’ll be happy.”
Dom Thomas nearing return
Whether or not the behind-closed-doors encounter with Falkirk heralds a new signing, it will certainly represent a notable landmark in the recovery of Dom Thomas.
The talismanic winger is set to play his first minutes since undergoing knee surgery in December, while Iain Wilson will also step up his rehabilitation.
🔥 Just Dom Thomas things, as the Pars grab their 1⃣st win of the season!#cinchChamp | @officialdafc pic.twitter.com/k5TAxnIFEn
— SPFL (@spfl) November 15, 2021
“Dom [Thomas] and Iain Wilson have been training since Thursday and Friday of last week,” explained Hughes.
“They are doing contact work and will play Falkirk in a friendly on Tuesday. They’ll both get 30 minutes.
“It’s a nice speed of recovery and fingers crossed they come through it. They are both working very hard with the physio, Tommy Scanlon.
“It is nice to see them back on the training pitch. You can see the enthusiasm but we need to be careful that, having done so much work, we don’t push them too fast.”
