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Defender Ibrahim Tall is winning his fitness battle and is poised to return to first-team training next week, caretaker boss Stephen Frail revealed today.

The centre-half tore his hamstring late in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Falkirk on December 29. He has been undergoing extensive treatment since then and is now set to play a part in the run-in to the Jambos' season.

The 26-year-old has been working closely with the club's physiotherapy department and is entering the final phase of his rehabilitation.

"Ibrahim has been working hard with the physios and isn't too far away now," said Stephen.

"He'll continue his rehab this week and we're probably looking at the middle of next week for him coming back to training with the rest of the guys."

Stephen admitted the defender is unlikely to be available for selection without the benefit of a reserve match under his belt, adding: "We will have to wait and see how he goes in training.

"That will give us an idea of where he is at but there's every chance he might need a game or two before we can think about him for the first team again.

"His progress is good news, though, and it will be a boost to have him back available in the near future."