East Fife have no major injury worries for today”s Alba Cup game against Brechin at New Bayview.
Manager Stevie Crawford revealed that Lloyd Young and Jonathan Smart have niggles, but both have been able to train and he’s hopeful they’ll be fit to play.
However, striker Steve Hislop is getting married today and misses the game.
The cup tie marks the Fifers’ first competitive game following a successful pre-season which saw them remain unbeaten against opposition which included young Hearts and Dundee United teams and Crawford wants that form to continue.
He knows only too well that East Fife’s cup record was dismal last season, an exit at the first stage in all competitions doing little to boost the club’s coffers, and has called for a much better showing this time round.
“It’s been a decent pre-season in terms of results and I’m happy at the ways the boys have performed,” he said. “They have gone about their business very well and are feeling confident.
“I’m hopeful that we can carry that on against Brechin and get through to the next round, because last season our cup record was disappointing.
“We have been encouraging the boys to pass the ball around, but if that doesn’t work than we have to work hard to try and get it back quickly.”
The Fifers will face a tough test against fellow second division side Brechin, who made the play-offs and enjoyed a much more successful league campaign last term than the home side.
Crawford said, “Brechin have added some quality players and it should be an attractive game, a good game to start the season with.”
City could be without a number of key players for their trip to Methil.
A number are nursing knocks after their midweek friendly against St Mirren including Hibs on-loan pair Callum Booth and Euan Moyes, and Barry Smith.
Centre-half Gerry McLaughlin will also be struggling to make the squad after a groin strain.
Manager Jim Weir was awaiting calls from all four before finalising his playing plan.
One player who will definitely be missing is Jamie Redman, who underwent a hernia operation in the summer and complications mean he may yet require further treatment.
With the season for real getting under way, the injuries are something Weir could well do without but he is delighted with the response from his players so far.
After some of the most high-scoring pre-season fixtures in years, he reckons they are shaping up as a side that could be hard to beat.
He said, “We’ve had some great games which have really built up confidence in the squad and that’s what’s important.
“Now hopefully we can take that with us to Fife.”