Arbroath boss Dick Campbell admits he has a big team selection decision to make for today’s Angus derby with Brechin at Gayfield.
The Red Lichties continued their great start to the season last week, winning 3-0 at East Fife.
Arbroath sit top of the League 1 table but Campbell is weighing up whether to change a winning team for the visit of Brechin with Dunfermline loan signing, striker Callum Smith, impressing as he made his debut off the bench in Methil last week.
The manager said: “I was really happy to get another victory last week at East Fife.
“It is never an easy place to go to so to score three goals and keep a clean sheet was very pleasing.
“It keeps our great run going although I am still unhappy that we do not have maximum points to our name following our draw at Dumbarton two weeks ago.
“However, we are still top of the league and we will just concentrate on what is in front of us starting against Brechin in another Angus derby.
“We were without Michael McKenna for the first time this season last week as he was at a wedding.
“I am unlikely to bring him straight back into the starting line-up but I have a big decision to make over Callum Smith.
“He did really well coming off the bench at East Fife and he is in my thoughts for a start against Brechin.
“Callum looks like being a fine addition but he will be the last signing for us as I am now happy with the squad at my disposal.”
Arbroath will be without the long-term injury victim Steven Doris.
While Campbell’s transfer business was completed last week, Brechin boss Darren Dods continued to add to his squad on Thursday with the addition of striker Callum Hendry on loan from St Johnstone.
The 20-year-old is the son of former Blackburn and Scotland star Colin and is highly rated by Saints boss Tommy Wright and his assistant Alec Cleland.
And Dods admitted it was a real coup for the club to have Hendry junior on board.
Dods said: “I am absolutely delighted to have brought Callum in on loan.
“It is a huge coup for Brechin to bring someone of his quality to the club.
“I actually played against his dad and Stevie Campbell (Brechin first team coach) was a team-mate of Colin’s when he started out at Dundee.
“I saw Callum score two goals recently for St Johnstone Colts and he has also netted for the first team this season.
“Speaking to Tommy and Alec, they have high hopes for Callum.
“I am sure there would have been interest in him from other clubs so I am really grateful St Johnstone have agreed to send him on loan to Brechin.
“We have Andy Jackson and Boris Melingui up front at the moment but Callum will give us another great option and he will be in the squad at Arbroath.”
Brechin will travel to Gayfield with spirits boosted after last weekend’s remarkable comeback against Dumbarton at the Glebe.
The Angus side were 2-0 down deep into the second half but stormed back to win 3-2 with Dods admitting that victory has lifted everyone at the club.
He added: “To get a winner in the 94th minute was superb especially against a Dumbarton side who have been a bogey team for us.
“We haven’t been too far away in games so far and we showed that when we play, we can give teams problems.
“We will now look to do the same at Arbroath.
“Dick has put together a very good squad and has added this season with the likes of Jason Thomson from Raith and Callum Smith on loan from Dunfermline.
“There are other quality players there such as Gavin Swankie, Danny Denholm and Bobby Linn who is on fire at the moment.
“So we know it will be tough but we will travel with confidence and try to pose them problems.”
Brechin will be without the injured Callum Tapping, Paul McLean and Dene Shields while Dougie Hill is rated 50/50 after picking up a knock against Dumbarton.
