Arbroath boss Dick Campbell has good and bad news regarding two key players ahead of this afternoon’s top-of-the-table clash with Raith at Gayfield.
The League 1 leaders meet John McGlynn’s Kirkcaldy outfit in what is sure to be a Christmas cracker at a packed Gayfield with the Red Lichties sitting 13 points in front of Rovers.
It is a game Raith simply cannot afford to lose and Campbell knows they will throw the proverbial kitchen sink at his side in a bid to claw back some of the points deficit.
However, with Arbroath still unbeaten in the league this season – with another win at Airdrie last week – the manager is confident his players will pose the opposition more than a few problems of their own.
Campbell said: “We didn’t play particularly well against Airdrie but to be honest, it wasn’t the sort of day when you were going to get a lot of good football.
“The conditions were terrible but overall I felt we were comfortable in the game.
“They hit the post but apart from that we restricted them to very few chances and I was pleased that we picked up a clean sheet as well as the three points.
“Bobby Linn had to come off at half-time with a groin problem but he trained on Thursday night and was flying so he will be OK for the Raith game.
“However, although Tam O’Brien is available again after suspension, he is struggling with flu and is a big doubt for the game.”
Campbell added: “But no matter who is in our team, they will all be up for the game.
“It should be a great occasion for the club, hospitality is sold out and hopefully there will be a big crowd at Gayfield. It would be great if our fans could turn out in large numbers.
“We are fully prepared for whatever Raith throw at us. They have to win but we are ready for that and everyone is really up for the game – may the best team win and bring it on!”
