Striker Andy Little is then expected to return for the next game against Queen's Park on October 20, with David Templeton's position set to be reassessed in the next fortnight too.

Fran Sandaza remains out for the next two months at least but otherwise the news is good for the Gers manager as his injury worries start to clear.

Shiels and Black both returned to training yesterday after they missed the Scottish Cup win at Forres Mechanics.

McCoist said: "Our injury situation has picked up a little bit.Shielsy was back train-ing, as was wee Blackie, and we are hoping both of them came through it quite well because they looked fine.

"Andy Little and Temps are both longer term, as is big Fran, but it's great that things are clearing. There's no doubt about it, it's good to have these guys coming back and Dean was a big miss for us at the weekend.

"He's a clever player and it was good that Kal (Naismith) came in and took his opportunity. He scored a great goal and I was delighted for him.

"At the same time, Dean gives us something a little bit different from the rest of the squad in that position as he gives us a great link. I would hope him and Ian will be back on Saturday.

"The Stirling game is just a little bit too quickly for Andy but the indica-tions are he'll be fine after that. The fact he probably won't play this week gives him another fortnight in which to get ready anyway.

"Temps is getting there too and in another two weeks we'll reassess things but we're hoping he'll be back in the not-too-distant future either."