Former Aberdeen midfielder on road to injury comeback as Albion Rovers ace returns to training

Albion Rovers have welcomed midfielder Michael Paton back to training in a boost for the Lowland League side.

The former Aberdeen man, who has taken on a coaching role at Cliftonhill this term. has been out since the end of last season with a knee injury, but is now back in amongst the playing squad as he looks to build up his match fitness.

Boss Sandy Clark is delighted to see the 34-year-old return and said: “Michael is just about up to full speed in terms of training.

“He, obviously, hasn’t played for a while so it is going to take a bit of time.

"We need to manufacture things a bit because we don't have a reserve team as such, so we need to get him prepared as best we can with some 11-a-side games at training.

“It was a knee issue. His thigh has been a problem as well, so there’s been two problems that have created his situation.

"He is not getting any younger but I know myself when you get older, you have to bite the bullet a wee bit, get on with things and understand how to manage injuries.

“Hopefully he is back sooner rather than later.

"We've got Devan McColl back training with us as well after a long-term injury so that is positive."

Clark's men are preparing for a Scottish Cup second round clash at home to St Andrews United this Saturday at Cliftonhill and he added: "For the first time since the season started, I'm needing to leave one or two players out of the matchday squad altogether.

"Our squad is taking shape well and it is looking good for Saturday."

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