BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
FALKIRK boss Peter Houston has vowed to follow doctor’s orders as he nurses Peter Grant back to full fitness – even though he reckons the influential stopper is ready for action.
Grant, 22, has been absent since January after suffering a devastating cruciate ligament injury, curtailing a campaign which was quickly cementing the former Norwich youngster as one of the brightest defensive prospects in the second tier.
A thorough rehabilitation schedule was outlined following surgery in February, with English outfit Fulham – for whom his father, Peter Grant Sr, works as Academy Manager – even aiding in his recovery.
Grant has now returned to light training, albeit he is yet to join in any full contact work, and despite Houston being thoroughly impressed by his progress, he has been advised that the player should not take part in a match for another fortnight.
And, while Houston firmly believes Grant’s quality and leadership ability have been sorely missed during a winless start to the campaign, he is resisting any temptation to rush Grant back into action.
Houston said: “He is training with us every day and looking good, but we have a programme to stick to with his surgeon and I would suggest that, in two weeks’ time, he would be able to get a game.
“He is doing all the running, all the footwork and passing drills. The only thing he can’t do at the moment is make challenges or take a knock – we are sticking to what the surgeon thinks is best, with that.
“Looking at him, I think he is ready right now! But I would never push him until everyone agrees he is ready.
“Peter will need a couple of under-20s games, obviously, but he will be like making a top signing. I’m sure he will come back stronger than ever. It is times like this, with his ability and aerial threat in both boxes, that he would be a massive help to us.”
