Campbell looking for early Christmas gift against Rovers

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell has a big selection puzzle to solve as his side emerge from a mini-winter break.

The Red Lichties have been left kicking their heels over the last fortnight after their games against Albion Rovers and Alloa both fell victim to the icy blast that swept the country.

Thankfully, it should be a positively balmy 11 degrees at Gayfield today and with a bumper festive crowd expected, Campbell is looking for his side to return to action against second-top Raith Rovers and give the club’s fans an early Christmas present in the form of a victory and three points.

The manager, whose side lost 2-0 at Stark’s Park when the teams first met this season back in October, said: “The last couple of weeks have been frustrating to say the least.

“On the plus side, the break has allowed us time for most of the injured lads like Gavin Swankie and Scott Martin, Danny Denholm and Colin Hamilton to return to fitness.

“We still have Josh Skelly and Steven Doris, who has had his cruciate operation, out long term but the squad is back to near full strength.

“So I have a few selection headaches but my big worry is that we have not managed to do a great deal of work during the lay-off because of the weather.

“We are also looking at having to play the postponed games probably in midweek which is never ideal for parttime teams.

“However, that is something for the future and at the moment all I am concerned about is this weekend’s game and picking up three points.

“As the full-time side, Raith will be favourites especially as they have already beaten us this season.

“However, our hospitality is sold out for the game and there should be a big crowd at Gayfield to hopefully see us take all three points.”

Dick Campbell has endured a frustrating last few weeks due to the wintry weather. SNS.