Grant Murray believes Raith Rovers’ defensive injury crisis is finally alleviating as key duo Ross Perry and Dougie Hill prepare to return to action.
Perry, a summer signing from Rangers, has been sidelined for six weeks after suffering a hamstring strain in the 3-1 derby win over Cowdenbeath at Central Park in August.
However, he took full part in training at Rovers’ Glenrothes training base yesterday and will return to the match-day squad for tomorrow’s Championship clash against Queen of the South.
Club captain Dougie Hill has been a long-term absentee, missing the last five months after undergoing surgery to cure a persistent groin complaint.
Murray confirmed that Hill emerged unscathed from his 70 minute outing against Stirling Albion in the Development League, but will not be rushed into action tomorrow evening.
And, while centre-half Craig Barr remains sidelined until at least December, Murray is delighted to welcome back his defensive reinforcements.
He said: “Ross [Perry] has trained this week and is another welcome addition to the squad on Friday.
“Every club has to deal with injuries – I know Queen of the South had a few players out last week as well – and you have to adapt to that.
“On the flip side to that, when they come back it is a great boost. It gives you more players to choose from, more competition and will hopefully bring out the best in everyone.
“Hopefully it won’t be too long until we have most of our squad back.”
On Hill’s impending return, which could see him in line to face Rangers at Ibrox next Saturday, he added: “The groin injury has been really frustrating for Dougie, carrying on from last season.
“But he is now back to fitness and back to training. He started the Development League game the other night and played the majority of the match so that is fantastic for his progress.
“Friday is too soon for him. After sending him for an operation we certainly don’t want to rush him back. You wouldn’t want to put him through that process then jeopardise it.”
Murray played alongside new Queens player/boss James Fowler for three years at Kilmarnock and revealed the duo have remained firm friends ever since.
And, although that camaraderie will be on hold for 90 minutes in Kirkcaldy, he has been delighted by Fowler’s rapid rise into management.
Murray, who has first-hand experience of adapting to player/manager duties, added: “I know James really well from our time together at Kilmarnock. He is one who I kept in touch with and someone I would consider a friend.
“He always had that drive as a player, and I knew he would take that into the coaching side of things. He got the best out of his teammates and was real captain material so it is no surprise to see him in the dugout.
“I spoke to him before he even went to Queen of the South. He had a couple of opportunities and asked my advice before deciding to work with Jim [McIntyre] as assistant manager. It’s great to see him doing so well.”