Neil Lennon will use the international break to arrange bounce games for his Dunfermline Athletic squad. The manager confirmed the plans after securing postponements for two league fixtures.
The Scottish Professional Football League approved the club's request to move its next two matches. The home game against Partick Thistle is now set for 20 October, with the trip to Stenhousemuir rescheduled for 27 October.
Six Dunfermline players are away representing their countries. Alfons Amade, Allan Oyirwoth, Andrew Tod, Sam Cleall-Harding, Dylan Lobban and Shea Kearney are all involved in senior or under-21 international matches.
Lennon said the break provides a key opportunity. "It also gives us an opportunity to get others up to speed," the manager stated. The aim is to give players like Oli Shaw and Callumn Morrison valuable goal minutes in these practice matches, ensuring they are ready when called upon.
Players such as Oli Shaw, Kian Corbally, Charlie Gilmour and the returning Callumn Morrison are set for increased minutes in the planned practice matches. The club recently held a behind-closed-doors game against Inverness and is working to arrange more.
Lennon pointed to the improved quality within his group as the reason some are not featuring. "I've got good players who aren't playing at the minute," he said. "That's because the standard of the squad has risen." Fans can view the full depth of the squad on the club's squad page.
The squad sits fourth in the Scottish Championship with 12 points from seven games. Their recent form shows three wins, one draw and one loss from the last five outings, including a 1-0 victory at Morton last Friday.
Dunfermline's next competitive match is away to Ayr United on 10 October, a key fixture listed on the club's fixtures schedule. The break allows the team to prepare for that fixture and maintain momentum from a two-game winning run.
Further reading: Dunfermline Press
