Brechin were handed a triple boost ahead of today’s first division play-off semi-final second leg at Cowdenbeath.
“I’ve been out for the last few weeks after injuring my back but have played three- quarters of the season.
“When Ludo came in he did really well so I can have no complaints.
“He took his chance when he got his and hopefully I’ll take mine if I am back in and, should we come through Saturday, play the next two games after that.
“It’s another opportunity and I have to make sure I’m ready. It’s a huge game and being in the first division means so much to everyone at the club.
“It’s what the club needs to survive with the money that comes in. We are all aware of the incentives and the funding for the stadium.”
While Cowdenbeath will start favourites to cash in on home advantage, Hay stressed the players will have to be on their guard after letting slip a 2-0 half-time lead against Brechin, who stormed back in the second period.
He said, “We scored two really good goals and looked very comfortable but it was a complete opposite in the second half when Brechin were by far the better team.
“We know what what to expect after playing them six or seven times last season. Brechin have some very good players, like their goalkeeper Craig Nelson who must be 100 now!”
Defender Paul McLean, midfielder Gary Fusco and striker David McKenna all signed new contracts last night, with Gerry McLauchlan expected to put pen to paper today.
The news is a timely filip for manager Jim Weir who is looking for his players to start today’s game the way they finished the first on the front foot.
The Glebe Park men stormed back into contention with an impressive second half comeback on Wednesday night that left the tie poised at 2-2.
Now he is hoping for more of the same at Central Park this afternoon.
Their promotion hopes were hanging by a thread at half-time in midweek, and Weir has praised his players for their emphatic response.
He said, “If you’d offered me a draw when we were 2-0 down at the break I’d have definitely taken it.
“Cowdenbeath had controlled the game and we needed to make changes.
“But from the moment we got our first goal back we had chance after chance and at the end of the game it was actually disappointing that we didn’t go on to win it.
“Now I’ve got a selection dilemma because my substitutes made such an impact on the match.
“Had we been going into the second leg behind I think we’d have been travelling more in hope than expectation. The result on Wednesday, though, has given us a realistic chance of going through.
“Having said that, Cowdenbeath are still strong favourites because of the experience they have in their side and the fact that they’re at home.”
A six-month unbeaten run earlier in the season proves Brechin are suited to success on the road.
Meanwhile, Cowdenbeath keeper David Hay is aiming to take advantage of Ludovic Roy’s bad fortune and help the Blue Brazil take a giant leap towards staying in the first division.
Hay stepped in for the Frenchman when he had to come off with a hamstring injury in the last 20 minutes of Wednesday night’s 2-2 play-off semi-final first leg rollercoaster at Brechin.
Now he looks set to be given the nod by manager Jimmy Nicholl for today’s game.
Hay revealed, “Ludo hurt his hamstring and it looks touch and go, which is unfortunate for him.
Continued…