Crawford on board for Ton but Dec ruled out
WILLIAM HILL SCOTTISH CUP... RangersandAberdeen rule on loan signings for crunch Airdrie tie Darren: Sandy’s so handy
JIMDUFFYhasbeengiven a selection boost ahead of Morton’s Scottish Cup clash with Airdrie tomorrow after Rangers granted them permission to field loan star Robbie Crawford.
The midfielder moved to Cappielow on a temporary basis earlier this season and will remain in Greenock until January.
Ally McCoist’s side will kick off their bid for cup glory against Dumbarton while the Ton are in action against the Diamonds and the Gers have decided they won’t require Crawford’s services should they advance to the latter stages of the competition.
However, Duffy will not be able to play striker Declan McManus after parent club Aberdeen refused to allow him to become cup-tied in the third round.
“Rangers have given us permission to play Robbie,” said Duffy.
“They have a lot of options in the middle of the pitch and decided that he can play. It is good that Robbie is available.
“I anticipated that Declan wouldn’t be available, we had a similar situation in the League Cup earlier in the season.
“We respect the decisions of both clubs and I can only focus on the players that I have available for a game that we are all looking forward to.”
The visit of their League One counterparts tomorrow gives Morton a real chance of booking a place in the fourth round.
The Diamonds were defeated 2-1 when they made the trip to Greenock on league duty earlier in the season and the pair will square off again in a fortnight.
Duffy said: “When you play someone in the same division as you in the cups there is always that familiarity.
“But Airdrie have certainly improved in recent weeks since the last time we played them so it will be a very tough match for us.
“They have had a couple of results and will have a bit of confidence about them.
“They are a side who can give you problems, they are very competitive and have good players.
“They are a very capable team that score goals so we will have to be at our best to get a result.” DARREN YOUNG reckons having Sandy Clark as his right-hand man has helped him handle his two Rovers roles.
The 36-year-old is still playing after being appointed Albion boss in the summer and will lead his side in the Scottish Cup against Queen’s Park tomorrow.
Young said: “It took a bit of getting used to, but Sandy helps me a lot and allows me to concentrate on playing when I am on the park.
“We speak before the game and at half-time about what we want to do. He’s got plenty of experience, he is the type of guy I wanted to be with and someone I could learn from.”
Bishopbriggs: george soutar Loyal (Moodiesburn):
grapes Bar Loyal:
Bus 12.30pm; strict ballot Dumbarton tickets; bus Tuesday 5.15pm; seats and tickets for non-members; Stuart 07534 810177.
Bus 1.15pm Sandbank Street; non-members welcome; 07957 941672.
Bus Tuesday 6pm; John 07802 221473.
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Bus tomorrow 12.20pm Q-Club, St George’s Road, 12.30 Station Bar, Cowcaddens; non-members welcome; call Duncan 07979 496154.
Bus 2pm Crow Road, Jordanhill Station, 2.05 Thornwood Bar ; visitors £10 & £5 conc; all welcome, booking essential, Alistair 07817 612563.
Bus 1.15pm Milngavie Station, 1.30 Esquire House, Anniesland, 1.45 Maryhill CC Halls; seats 0141-632 3604 before 9pm or e-mail ptfcnwb@ gmail.com
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