On-loan Hearts striker David Witteveen looks to be closing in on a return to action with Dundee.
The Austrian hit man has made just one appearance since joining the Dens Park club owing to a hamstring tear and had looked set to return to Tynecastle following administration.
But the Jam Tarts agreed to his staying on for free and, having resumed training this week, Witteveen reckons he’s not far away from being able to play a part in the Dark Blues’ first division campaign.
“I did some sprints this morning and felt fine,” he revealed on Tuesday. “So hopefully I’ll be back training with the team on Thursday. It has been horrible not being able to play.
“I came here to get games and I haven’t been able to. That’s been frustrating. After making my debut against Falkirk I got the injury in a friendly match with Hibs, but when I went to the doctor for ultrasound he said it was okay. So I tried to push on.
“I was struggling however and when I went for an MRI scan it revealed a tear.”
For all the troubles that have been visited on Dens in recent weeks, Witteveen insisted he would rather be staying put until the transfer window than going back to Tynecastle where there was little prospect of featuring.
“I have to thank Hearts for letting me stay here,” he said. “They could have taken me back and I would have only trained with them.
“At Dundee I can train and, hopefully, play again soon. I wouldn’t want to push things.
“After only a few days’ training it would be too early for 90 minutes this weekend. But I could be ready for the bench if the gaffer needs me.”
Boss Barry Smith said, “David has stepped up his training and as long as there’s no reaction he should be back working with the boys later this week. We’ll monitor things from there. He’s been unfortunate. But hopefully he’ll be someone we can call on before too long.”
Dundee head for Falkirk on Saturday seeking a first win under Smith, following draws with Stirling and Dunfermline.
The new boss is hopeful breaking his duck isn’t far off.
“Falkirk had a great result at the weekend so we know it’ll be difficult,” he said. “But if we keep doing what we are doing then that first victory will come soon enough.”