Stake claim for start, Petrie urges players

Montrose boss Stewart Petrie is looking for players to stake a claim for inclusion in his team for next week’s league match against Dumbarton when they travel to face the same opponents today in the Irn-Bru Cup.

The Gable Endies gaffer will freshen up his side after losing their last two games against Stranraer and East Fife 2-0.

Despite intending to make changes this afternoon against Stevie Aitken’s side, Petrie insists that doesn’t mean he is taking this dress rehearsal for the league game lightly.

Petrie said: “We will approach the game in a very serious fashion.

“We will freshen up the team as we have a good squad and it is important that people get game time.

“But we want to win every game we play in and this competition is a chance of winning some silverware.

“So we will make changes especially after losing our last two games.

“This is a big chance for some lads to stake a claim when we return to Dumbarton next week on league business.

“Sons boss Stevie Aitken will probably be looking for some of his players to do the same so there is a lot to play for both sides.”

Montrose have a clean bill of health with Michael Bolochoweckyj returning to the squad.

However the loan players – Aberdeen’s Chris Antoniazzi and Ryan Harrington as well as Hearts’ Euan Henderson – are ineligible.