Zak Rudden Eager for Increased Playing Time at Palmerston Park

Zak Rudden has expressed his eagerness for increased playing time at Palmerston Park following his recent return from injury. The 25-year-old forward made his comeback as a substitute in the William Hill Championship matchup against Queen’s Park, where he replaced Barney Stewart for the last 30 minutes.

Frustrating Injury Layoff

This appearance marked the conclusion of a challenging 12-week period for Rudden, who had an impressive start to his Dunfermline career after transferring from Livingston at the end of August. He scored in his first two games, showcasing his potential on the field, but a serious injury halted his momentum in his third appearance against St Johnstone.

Road to Recovery

• Returned as a substitute against Queen’s Park after 12 weeks out.
• Scored in his first two games with Dunfermline.
• Injury occurred during an uncharacteristic moment against St Johnstone.
• Faced a setback two weeks prior to his return.

Rudden described his recovery journey as tough, stating, “I put the hard work in, and I’m hoping that I can crack on from here.” He endured a setback just a fortnight before his comeback, which tested his determination. Despite this, he remains optimistic and focused on moving forward.

Looking Ahead

Zak’s injury occurred during what he described as an ambitious play against St Johnstone. He noted feeling tightness before the match but attempted a challenging reverse pass, resulting in a tendon tear. Despite this, he dismissed dwelling on past setbacks, stating, “What’s done is done.”

As he regains full fitness, Rudden is now ready to contribute more significantly to his team. His return to action aligns with upcoming fixtures, including a midweek KDM Evolution Trophy match against Queen of the South. He is eager but maintains a practical outlook, recognizing that the coaching staff will decide his involvement in the game.

Opportunity for Growth

Rudden highlighted the importance of taking it one match at a time as he prepares to reintegrate into regular play. Should Dunfermline advance past Queen of the South, they will face a derby clash with Raith Rovers in the next round. With a renewed focus and improved fitness, Rudden is ready to resume his role as a goal-scoring threat on the pitch.

Overall, Zak Rudden’s journey back to competitive football after an arduous injury period underscores his resilience and commitment to the game. Fans can look forward to seeing more of his skills as he continues to pursue increased playing time at Palmerston Park.