HEADING FOR A RETURN

STEPHEN SIMMONS hopes to recover from a serious head knock in time to lead Dunfermline to their first win of the season against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

The midfielder sat out the Pars' last two games against Ayr United and Aberdeen after a collision of heads with Alan Archibald in the 0-0 draw with Dundee United on August 19.

Simmons, who suffered memory loss and severe headaches following the Tannadice encounter, said: "The stitches I needed weren't aproblem.

"The problem was that every time I tried to do anything I got a headache and until the sore heads went away I just had to take it easy.

"I got back into training last Thursday and I am fine now but it was a bit scary.

"I couldn't remember much about the United game at all when I got home that night.

"I've have head knocks before but never one which left me with no memory."

Meanwhile, the Pars have been dealt yet another injury blow with the news that striker Noel Whelan needs an operation on his Achilles tendon.

The former Aberdeen and Livingston striker has been side-lined since the opening day of the season after lasting less than five minutes of his competitive debut in the 2-1 defeat to Hearts.

Boss Jim Leishm an said: "Noel saw the specialist on Monday and he was told he needs an operation."

Taken from the Daily Record