BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
CHAMPIONSHIP newcomers Dunfermline have been struck an early blow after Michael Paton was ruled out for up to six weeks because of a hernia operation.
The former Aberdeen and Queen of the South attacker was due to go under the knife on Friday and may not be fit to return until just a few days before the Pars open their league campaign at home to Dumbarton on August 6.
The 27-year-old penned a new two-year deal after the Fifers clinched the League One title back in March and was left out of the final three matches of the season in a bid to clear up the problem.
However, after returning for training last week still troubled by pain in his groin, medics have recommended surgery.
Manager Allan Johnston explained to www.dafc.co.uk: “We have let it rest over the summer hoping he would come back fine but he is still feeling it so we are better to get it fixed just now.
“He went to see a specialist the other day and it has confirmed what we thought, so he is getting the operation.
“Hopefully he will be back in between four and six weeks.”
