Extra Week Off Helps Injured Trio

Last updated : 05 September 2006 By Stand Free Ed

THE DONS' injury victims Michael Hart, Karim Touzani and Richie Byrne should all be fit to face Celtic in Saturday's live SPL match.

The trio missed the last two SPL fixtures with St Mirren and Dunfermline as well as the CIS Cup exit to Queen's Park.

The extra week's rehabilitation allowed by the international break has meant that the three defenders should have fully recovered in time for the top of the table clash at 12:30 on Saturday.

Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood said: "The return of Hart, Touzani and Byrne would be a big lift because we will need more experience in the side to deal with Celtic."

The game will be a baptism of fire for new signing Lee Miller, but he will have to cope without strike partner Steve Lovell.

However Lovell should be back in training at the end of this week and may see a first-team return against Falkirk a week on Saturday.

Meanwhile, winger Jamie Smith is to have an operation on Saturday to clear up his troublesome groin injury.

Smith will face six weeks on the sidelines following the surgery, meaning it could be November before he returns to first team action.