James McPake has been able to offer advice to Paul Allan given his own previous injuries.
The Dunfermline Athletic midfielder has been missing since August with a foot injury.
He appeared to be on the way back a few weeks ago but after a setback, and some discussion about the best way to recover, it was decided he would have surgery.
Pars assistant manager Dave Mackay revealed this week that Allan had gone under the knife and is expected to return to training in around six weeks.
McPake said the midfielder broke down during his recovery and the club wasn’t happy with the diagnosis.
Player’s call
After discussions involving the player, his family, club staff and the surgeon, it was decided an operation was the best solution.
The final decision always rested with Allan.
“We gave Paul the decision,” said the Dunfermline manager.
“I gave him my opinion, the medical staff gave him their opinion. I think we’re now in agreement surgery is the best thing for it.
“It’s the outside of his foot – I don’t know too much about the metatarsals.
“They’ll put a pin or a screw in.”
McPake’s advice
McPake added that the benefit of this recovery is that once the procedure is complete you have a firm timeline for when you should be back on the pitch.
“To be fair, after that you’re six to eight weeks,” said McPake.
“We’re looking at, if he rests it now, rest it for three weeks and then gradually bring yourself back in – and what happens if you develop another setback?
“You’re already three or four weeks down the line, anyway.”
The Pars boss suffered a terrible injury to his knee in his playing days with Dundee, something he was still recovering from when he took the job at East End Park.
He said: “My view was: ‘Go get it done.’ Then you know you’ve got six to eight weeks and you’re back playing and your foot is stronger.
“That’s where I think the injuries I’ve had help… but it had to be Paul’s call and Paul’s decision.”
Conversation