Weir hoping for boost from new signings

Dingwall and Maciver straight into squad after loans from Ross County

Forfar’s bid to escape relegation has been boosted by a double loan signing from Ross County.

Manager Jim Weir confirmed that striker Russell Dingwall (brother of Tony) and midfielder Ross Maciver will go straight into his squad for today’s trip to face East Fife.

County manager Owen Coyle, who Weir worked with at St Johnstone, is keen to see both players get regular firstteam action.

Weir said: “We’re hopeful that both lads will make an impact here.

“Ross is a striker who can play off the front as well, and Russell is a midfielder. Ross has been close to the first team at Ross County.

“Hopefully this will give us a wee lift going into Saturday’s game,” Weir added.

Darren Young’s side certainly didn’t get a lift from their last performance – a shock Scottish Cup exit to Brora Rangers.

Weir, who watched the match, said: “When we went out of the cup to Formartine we lost our next game. Hopefully that will be the case for East Fife.

“But we’re ready for a reaction from them.

“East Fife were the better side but they didn’t take their chances,” added Weir.

One man Weir will tell his players to keep an eye on is winger Craig Thomson, who recently signed for his home town team and previously played for him at Elgin City.

“We tried to sign him,” said Weir. “But he’s from that part of the country and has family who support the club.

“He’s got a lot of pace and he made a difference when he came on for his debut on Saturday.”

Murray Mackintosh is back from injury.

Mark Millar is suspended, and Eddie Malone is a doubt.

Jamie Bain has agreed a contract extension through to the summer of 2020.

Talks are ongoing with other players who manager Weir sees in his long-term plans.

Meanwhile, East Fife are looking to give their supporters 90 minutes to remember a week after giving them 90 minutes to forget.

Bayview boss Young said: “It was a disappointing afternoon and one that I hope we move on quickly from.

“We started poorly but got ourselves back in the game, and the second half was unbelievable in terms of the chances that we missed.

“I can count on one hand the number of games where we have played badly this season.

“But when you do not defend set pieces well and miss chances you do not win the amount of games that you should.”

St Johnstone keeper Ben Mackenzie has been signed on loan for the rest of the season.

Mark Docherty should return after a knock.

However, Aaron Dunsmore misses out through suspension.

Russell Dingwall is in today’s squad. Picture: Sandy Mccook.