Dundee United goalkeeper Mark Birighitti faces “a few weeks” on the sidelines following a hamstring injury.
The Australia international was signed from Central Coast Mariners during the summer transfer window but endured a testing start to his Tangerines career.
The 31-year-old shipped 11 goals in two games against AZ Alkmaar and Hearts, subsequently losing his place between the sticks to Carljohan Eriksson — who was named in the most recent SPFL team of the week following his heroics at Motherwell.
Birighitti is now facing a spell of rehabilitation following a strain packed up on the eve of last week’s 2-1 victory against Livingston.
“It was a hamstring injury,” confirmed interim head coach Liam Fox. “Mark opened it up the day before we played Livingston.
“It was pretty innocuous — he just stretched a bit too much and felt the hamstring. He will be okay. These Aussies are tough lads! Don’t worry about that.
“Mark was out on the grass on Tuesday but is still a good few weeks away. He is desperate to get back.
“Injuries are part-and-parcel of the game and Mark is experienced enough to know that. There will be no issues for him.
“His family are over in Scotland now, he is settled in a new house and he’ll come back when he is ready and — I’m sure — be pushing for that place again.”
Persistent Pawlett
Fox also confirmed that Peter Pawlett is making steady progress on the comeback trail, now doing light work on the training pitches at St Andrews.
Pawlett, 31, went under the knife in March to finally correct a persistent complaint after the pain had become too severe to continue playing.
“Pete Pawlett was out on the grass as well, which has been good,” continued Fox.
“He is still a bit of time away but just to see him smiling and doing bits and pieces with the physio has been really positive.
“Because Pete has been missing for a period of time, he will feel like a new signing.
“He is a player with real quality and, until injury kicked in, he was really good for us last season. He came up with big moments and when he gets back and firing, he can be a big player for us.”
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