Mason is aiming for pass mark

DEREK MCCALLUM

DUNFERMLINE’S Gary Mason is praying for the thaw ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Hearts at East End Park.

Wednesday night’s ice-rink conditions saw the Fifers skid to a 0-0 stalemate with Motherwell and the midfield powerhouse hopes the Pars can pass their way into the final third of the park when the Jambos visit the Kingdom. He said: "The pitch was difficult on Wednesday night as it was freezing up during the course of the game and getting really slippy.

"When it is like that you have to keep it as simple as possible and pass it and move it well. I thought we did that in the first half against Motherwell but in the last third we didn’t create the chances we would have liked. Obviously it’s a very big game against Hearts and they will get in amongst us the way Motherwell did. Hopefully we can create a bit more in the final third against Hearts and if we do that I am confident we’ve got the players at the club who will score goals."

Mason, who moved to Dunfermline from Manchester City five years ago, comes to the end of his current contract at the end of the current campaign. The player has been locked in contract talks recently as manager Davie Hay looks to extend the star’s stay in Fife. Mason admits things looked bleak when only a 12-month extension was placed on the table but a further offer to increase that to two years looks certain to keep him at East End Park.

Mason added: "I’ve had a good chat with my wife and agent and we’ll be sitting back down. Now two years is on the table I am confident we’ll get something sorted out."

Taken from the Scotsman