Weir’s concerns over Bain – and his makeshift defence

Forfar Athletic manager Jim Weir is hoping that Jamie Bain declares himself fit for the visit of Stranraer as his defence will already have a makeshift look to it.

Centre-backs Michael Travis and Andy Munro are both missing due to suspension and with Bain absent from training this week and Michael Kennedy remaining out Forfar’s backline is going to have a very unfamiliar look.

Weir, who has Darren Whyte available after a knock and has added Dale Hilson after a foot injury, said: “Jamie is touch and go about playing.

“We are hoping that he has recovered enough to take his place as we were already short of central defenders. It is far from ideal but we have to get on with things.”

The Station Park manager also has concerns in the forward department, although they are of a different nature.

“We are creating chances in every game but we are not taking them. We started off well at Alloa last weekend and finished very strongly but we never scored when we were on top,” he said.

“Alloa had a good spell midway through the game and they were able to get a goal that won the game. It was preventable, however, and it would be good if the strikers could find the net and take the pressure off the defence.

“To make matters worse we came off the pitch to learn that Queen’s Park had won and we had slipped to the bottom of the table again.”

As for facing the Blues, Weir said: “They were idle last weekend as their game with Arbroath was called off.

“They will still be smarting from losing to East Fife a fortnight ago and will view this game as a great opportunity to get going again.

“They are a very different side to the one we faced back in December as a lot of players have come and gone. By and large it has been successful for them. However, we can win this game if our new look defence can gel together and our strikers take the chances we are creating.”