‘Four to six weeks’ for Hosler

PARS star Kane Ritchie-Hosler says he hopes to be back in action in “four to six weeks” as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.

The talented and popular 21-year-old, who joined the club on a permanent basis in the summer after a successful loan from Rangers ‘B’, missed the start of the current campaign after suffering an ankle injury during pre-season that required surgery.

After playing in a reserve match at Dundee, the winger made his first team comeback in a draw at Inverness Caledonian Thistle last month, but suffered misfortune afterwards when he damaged his right knee in training.

That required another operation to clear up the problem with his meniscus but, as he continues to work his way back to fitness, he outlined a timeframe for his latest comeback.

“I’m just waiting on the knee to settle down and then I will be back doing more lower work,” he told the club’s website.

“I am walking on it, which is good. I was never in crutches, I was able to walk straight away and that’s always a positive. It is feeling good, just a little bit stiff.

“I’m hoping to be back in four to six weeks, I have a target in mind, but I don’t want to give that away in case I don’t make that target.

“It is a difficult spell for me. Picking up another injury is tough, I’m not going to lie. It has taken a lot out of me but with the support from everyone in the team, hopefully I can recover well. I had my surgery and I’m in the gym now working to get back as soon as I can.

“I’m hoping everything goes well with no problems.”

Ritchie-Hosler replaced Michael O’Halloran after an hour in the game at the Caledonian Stadium and the former Manchester City youth, who will be watching his teammates against Ayr United this weekend, continued: “I only got thirty minutes but I was buzzing to back out in front of the fans and I was looking forward to the next game.

“To pick up the injury in training was a blow but you just have to look forward. I was preparing for the Dundee United game in the Trust Trophy, that would have been ideal just to get minutes. It is unfortunate but hopefully I can get back as soon as possible.”