Arbroath player-boss Paul Sheerin is pondering whether to play himself in the club’s biggest derby match yet.
The Red Lichties will become division three champions this Saturday, so long as they can beat local rivals Montrose and Albion Rovers do anything but win at Queen’s Park.
With the expectations of an entire town resting on their shoulders, the men in maroon and white know it is time to step up and be counted.
Although Sheerin is eligible to take his place in midfield after suspension, he hinted that he may keep faith with the side that dominated for so long at Gayfield last weekend.
He said, “I thought the lads did really well for most of the game against Queen’s Park and I have not decided if I will be playing myself yet.
“With it being Montrose that stand between us and the first title in the club’s history, it makes it huge for us and we are going to have to rise to the occasion and take care of business.
“There is a big expectation on us but we know what we have to do and that is pick up four points from our last three games, so hopefully we can get three of them on Saturday.
“We want to win every game and we all know the bitter rivalry between the two sides, which gives it that added dimension.”
Alan Rattray will miss the game after undergoing surgery earlier in the week and there is a question mark over the fitness of Stuart Malcolm.
Arbroath have not lost in three games, but their fans will not be cheered by the fact Albion Rovers have not been defeated in their last seven.
Sheerin said, “It will be difficult for Albion to go to Queen’s Park, because they are a decent side and they showed that last week against us.
“And with Queens being at home it won’t be easy for them.”
Montrose are unbeaten in their last four games but have shipped nine goals in their previous two league encounters with the Lichties.
In the first match of the season between the two, the Gable Endies then managed by Steven Tweed ran out 3-0 winners.
Incoming boss Ray Farningham will be without Martin Boyle for the match, Gordon Pope and Alan Campbell will face late fitness tests, and Steven McNally could make a return.
“It’s a big game for Arbroath in terms of the league but it’s also a big game for us because we are trying to keep our run going and finish the season strongly,” said Farningham.
“The players have been playing with confidence over the last four matches and that is what has been missing.
“They will be well up for it and we will be going out to win the game as we do in every match we play.
“Obviously there is the rivalry there between both sets of fans and that gives the game an added extra every time a derby comes around.
“I hope to see the fans getting behind the players, which I have no doubt that they will.”