BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
FALKIRK defender Peter Grant is hopeful of today getting the green light to complete his recovery from a serious knee injury.
The 22-year-old damaged his cruciate ligament in January and incredibly played the full 90 minutes against Rangers a week later before the injury came to light.
The 2015 Scottish Cup final goal-scorer underwent surgery in February and, with his deal set to expire next year, was handed the fillip of a longer contract at the start of pre-season training.
The stopper has been aided in his rehabilitation by English Championship side Fulham, where dad Peter is the under-21s coach, and declared earlier this summer that he was in the best shape of his career.
However, the Bairns are awaiting the green light from the medical experts before allowing Grant to enter the final phase of his recovery.
Manager Peter Houston told Capital City Press: “Peter did some testing last week at Stirling University and on Tuesday he’s going to see his surgeon with the results of the tests he’s done.
“He’s feeling very strong, he’s feeling ready, but we won’t push him until the surgeon gives us the go ahead. Hopefully he’ll get the all clear.
“He’s been doing non-contact possession and passing, but we’re hoping that he can take part in the small-sided games and that he can step it up.
“His fitness levels are very good but he will still need a couple of games in the under-20s for him to get his eye in.”
Houston recruited Rangers defender Luca Gasparotto in the summer and has David McCracken back to near full fitness after an operation on his head, as well as Paul Watson, in central defence.
However, the Bairns boss has confessed he is relishing the prospect of having Grant back and available for selection.
He added: “We’ve missed his presence in the air against bigger guys that are good in the air.
“I feel that even against Kilmarnock in the play-offs, and against St Johnstone in the Betfred Cup, where the players are bigger and better, big Peter’s presence would have been a threat for us in both boxes.
“He’ll be a big bonus to have back because we’ve missed him.”
