FORFAR MANAGER Dick Campbell was one of the several thousand spectators who left Gayfield mightily impressed by Arbroath’s Scottish Cup exploits.
Campbell looked on as the Lichties did the Second Division proud against SPL champions Celtic in midweek, only losing out to a wonder goal from Adam Matthews and having a controversial “equaliser” chalked off.
Now the Loons boss’s job is to bring the neighbours back down to earth with a bump in the league when the two teams face up in the Angus derby at Station Park this afternoon.
“All credit is due to Arbroath for that performance,” said Campbell.
“I was there to see the game and they were terrific against Celtic.
“So we know what is in front of us but we are very optimistic about this match.
“I think things are beginning to improve on the selection front.
“Also, not having had a game for a couple of weeks means the players are well rested and raring to go.”
Dale Hilson will be available following his short-term loan from Dundee United, ex-Lichtie Gavin Swankie is now 100% fit and Danny Denholm may also make it.
Jack Hamilton and Willie Robertson will make their first league appearances following their debuts in the cup win over Ayr United a fortnight ago.
There could also be a spot on the bench for midfielder Gavin Malin, who has joined Forfar on an amateur basis in the short term.
The Loons will, however, be without captain Mark McCulloch, who has still to serve his one-match ban for the red card he picked up against Brechin.
Gayfield gaffer Paul Sheerin, meanwhile, will ask his players to lift themselves for this one after putting so much into the cup-tie against the Hoops.
He thinks the fact that the game is a derby will ensure the Abroath players will be ready to go again when the whistle blows.
“It has been a demanding time for the team and the lads gave it everything against Celtic,” said Sheerin.
“They showed their quality over the two games against Celtic the first one at Parkhead then on Wednesday night and did so well.
“I am hoping that the fact it is a derby lifts the players again because these games against your close rivals have their own terrific atmosphere.
“Our form this season has been a little bit patchy so what I would love is for us to be more consistency in the performances.
“After this we get a little breather (their next match is on Boxing Day against Brechin) so I am looking for a big effort from the players.”
The Lichties have a doubt over goalkeeper Scott Morrison, who picked up a knock during the Celtic match.