Tam O'Ware has said the return of centre back Callum Flatman from injury has left him feeling "over the moon".
But the Kelty Hearts manager has cautioned that he will "not load him too much" after returning to action after a year on the sidelines.
Flatman, 22, missed the entirety of last season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in training, having played in 38 matches in the campaign prior.
The former Heart of Midlothian defender, however, has worked his way back to fitness, featuring in pre-season friendlies against Gala Fairydean Rovers, East Kilbride and Dunfermline, the latter of which saw him make his first start.
Flatman then played 88 minutes of the Maroon Machine's Premier Sports Cup opener at Queen of the South, before being left out for their second at home to Queen's Park three days later, which O'Ware revealed was planned.
"I'm delighted (to have him back). I can't speak highly enough of Callum," the Kelty boss said.
"He was a massive miss last year. He was excellent the season before, when he first came to the club, and didn't play a single minute last year.
"He did his knee on the first night of pre-season so it's been a long year for him.
"I know personally how hard it is, especially being part-time. He's had to go and put the hours in when nobody's watching, but since we've came back, he's got himself fit in the off season.
"He's trained every session and we just need to be careful with him and not load him too much.
"I'm absolutely over the moon that he's back on that pitch for us."
Meanwhile, Kelty have loaned out youngster, Grant Leitch, to Berwick Rangers.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, who made 12 appearances last term, has joined the Lowland League East side until the end of the season.
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