Hilson returns to Loons for a sixth spell

Forfar’s new recruit Dale Hilson is unlikely to start against Arbroath today but will have an important role to play as the Loons look for the win that could take them off the foot of the League One table.

Jim Weir’s side stunned leaders Ayr 3-2 at the weekend and the manager has kept the good feeling going by bringing former Dundee United attacker Hilson back for what will be his sixth spell at the club after four loan stints and one permanent outing.

Weir, whose team welcome the Lichties to Station Park, said: “I am delighted to have brought Dale back following his release from St Mirren and I am sure that he will go on and prove to be a great signing for us over the next 18 months. He is not 100% fit so he will not start, however he will be involved at some stage.”

At the other end of the park, Weir has no qualms about using Marc McCallum after his display at Somerset Park.

The Forfar boss said: “Our goalkeeper was unbelievable and I would say that it was the best goalkeeping performance I have ever seen.

“We were unlucky to be a goal down at half-time. At 2-0 there were concerns that could have been that for us, however Marc kept us in the game.

“Ayr must have thought the game was done and they made a couple of substitutions to players who had been key in the game.

“However, our boys took nothing for granted and worked their way back into the game.

“The win has given everyone a lift and brought to an end our losing run and whilst the overall result may have been harsh on Ayr we will take it and look forward to facing Arbroath.”

Jamie Bain is available after suspension, Darren Whyte has returned for a second loan spell from St Mirren and Dylan Easton should return after illness. Trialist Jordan Hornby should play for a second game in a row and David Cox could feature after injury.

Missing for the Loons are the injured Michael Kennedy, Scott McBride, Murray MacKintosh and Marc Scott, with Andy Munro’s loan period at Clyde not yet over

Arbroath will include their new signing from Stranraer, striker Ryan Wallace, and he could start.

However, he faces competition, with manager Dick Campbell saying: “I am delighted to get Ryan on board and the fact that he has been given a two-and-a-half year contract shows how much we value him.

“I would normally throw him straight into a game but I have a choice to make as Leighton McIntosh came on as a substitute at the weekend and scored a good goal so is also in my thoughts.”

McIntosh’s goal was cancelled out by a late penalty from East Fife’s Mark Docherty and the 1-1 draw still rankles with Campbell.

He said: “We should have won the game – it is as simple as that.

“We were on top and took the lead before having a number of one-on-ones to add a second goal.

“We never got that second and then gave away a really poor penalty. I want us to make up for that at Forfar.”

Campbell reckons that despite his former club being at the foot of the table they will be a happy camp.

He explained: “Winning games makes people happy and they won a great game on Saturday.

“It was an unexpected result and even more unexpected when they were two down with 18 minutes left.

“They will take a huge boost from that as well as from signing Dale Hilson, who is a player I know very well.

“They will come out determined to get the better of us and we will come out determined to get the better of them in what will be a hotly-contested derby. Bring it on!”

Gavin Swankie drops out of the Arbroath line-up, with both Steven Doris and Josh Skelly remaining out injured.

Dale Hilson will be involved for Forfar at some stage today.