Edinburgh promotion can ease Danny Jardine's injury pain

The 24-year-old made his first start for the Citizens in more than two months in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Dumbarton, an outcome that saw the Capital outfit progress to the play-off final 5-2 on aggregate and consign the Sons to League Two after the summer.

City pit their wits against divisional rivals Annan Athletic in the first leg at Ainslie Park tonight before the return fixture at Galabank three days later.

And former Stirling Albion player Jardine says he couldn't have timed his two-month lay-off from medial ligament damage any better with Alan Maybury's men, potentially, 180 minutes from plying their trade in Scottish football's third tier next season.

Jardine, part of the side that lost to Dumbarton in last year's final, has been beset with injury for most part of the 2021/2022 campaign, a recurring hamstring problem ruling him out for the best part of five months.

However, he is now in a positive mindset ahead of the club's two biggest games in their 94-year history.

"You could say I've not had much luck with injuries this year," Jardine told the Evening News. "But my own personal woes would more than make up for it if we were to get promoted on Friday night. I couldn't be rushed back because of the nature of the injury so it can dent your confidence a little.

"But I've managed to build up some more game-time and it was great to start my first match at Dumbarton since March. So, I'm feeling physically better and more than ready to play my part tonight and Friday if selected.

"I definitely feel better now, but I have to admit I felt sore on Sunday after the game. At the same time, it was just great to be back involved again. I've been desperate to play and help the team so getting any minutes on the pitch at this