Kerr gutted hitman Trouten still banned versus Saints
ALBION Rovers boss Brian Kerr has been left cursing his luck ahead of his side’s re-arranged Scottish Cup tie with St Johnstone where a trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts is the prize on offer.
The Perth side’s first knockout trip to Coatbridge since December 1987 was postponed on Saturday as Cliftonhill was covered in snow, and there will be a pitch inspection today at 2pm to decide if the tie can go ahead tonight.
But the delay has not solved Rovers being without goal-grabber Alan Trouten, banned after being dismissed for his part in a 20-man melee at Forfar 10 days ago that also saw team-mate Michael Hopkins red carded.
Kerr, who needs to come up with a way of winning without his 24 goal talisman, said: “Alan’s absence is a massive blow in what is a huge game for the club. Taking any player out of a team that has scored the goals he has this season will hurt. It is also hurting him as he wanted to show what he can do against a Premiership side.
“Someone else will get the chance to get the goals and become a hero by creating a shock but I cannot hide my disappointment at Alan not playing.”
Kerr added: “St Johnstone are a very well organised side under Tommy Wright and they go about things in a very efficient manner.
“However this game is different for them as they are expected to win and they usually relish the underdog tag.
“They have lost Michael O’Halloran back to Rangers however Jason Kerr, Chris Kane and David McMillan have been added so I am not sure how they will line up.”
Ross Perry comes back from a ban to help make up for the loss of Trouten and Hopkins.