Zak Rudden returned to action as a substitute in Saturday’s William Hill Championship clash at Queen’s Park, replacing Barney Stewart for the final half-hour as the Pars battled challenging weather conditions.
It marked the end of a frustrating period for the 25-year-old forward, who had made an electric start to his Dunfermline career following his late August move from Livingston. Goals in his first two appearances suggested the striker had found his home at KDM Group East End Park, only for injury to cruelly intervene during his third outing against St Johnstone.
“I’m delighted to be back, it’s been about 12 weeks now,” Zak reflected after his return. “I’m delighted just to be back and enjoying playing football again.”
The road to recovery proved far from straightforward for the forward, who suffered a setback just a fortnight ago that tested his resolve:-“It was hard, obviously, I got a wee setback two weeks ago so that kind of annoyed me off a wee bit. I put the hard work in and I’m hoping that I can crack on from here.”
The injury itself occurred during what Zak describes as an uncharacteristic moment against St Johnstone. Having felt tightness before kick-off, he attempted an ambitious reverse pass that proved beyond his compromised physical state.
“I tore my tendon that was on top of the main tendon,” he explained. “I just tried probably a stupid pass but I was feeling a wee bit tight before the game and I just couldn’t shake it. As soon as I started running again I was like, oh no. I tried to make the box, I tried to score a goal before I came off, but someone gave it away.”
For a player who had hit the ground running at his new club, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Yet Zak who is now at his ninth Scottish club, is refusing to let frustration define his approach moving forward:-
“Obviously that’s annoying, but what’s done is done,” he said with pragmatic resolve. “Now it’s about kicking on and try and better myself from here. I’m not even focusing on what’s happened, I’m just focusing on what I can do now.”
The striker insists he’s emerged from the ordeal in robust condition, feeling both stronger and fitter than before the injury struck. Saturday’s appearance was always the target for his return, though a midweek KDM Evolution Trophy fixture against Queen of the South might have come into play had his rehabilitation progressed more smoothly.
Tuesday night’s rearranged cup tie now presents Zak with an opportunity to build match sharpness, though he’s keeping expectations measured about his immediate involvement:-
“Hopefully obviously ultimately it’s down to the gaffer and the coaching staff to decide that, but I’m ready, I’m fit, so we’ll just see what gets done.”
Should Dunfermline progress past Queen of the South, an enticing derby clash with Raith Rovers awaits in the next round. For now though, Zak is taking things one game at a time.
“Yeah, obviously we focus on Tuesday night and then that’s it, we don’t focus on anything else other than that.”
After 12 weeks on the sidelines, Zak Rudden is simply happy to be back doing what he does best. The goals that marked his promising start at Dunfermline may feel like a distant memory, but with full fitness restored and his focus firmly on the future, the striker is ready to re-open his goals’ account.
