Covid spanner in Blue Brazil’s preparations

Cowdenbeath manager Gary Bollan has admitted not knowing whether their home game with Albion Rovers will go ahead due to Covid-19 issues has made the Blue Brazil’s preparation far from ideal.

Rovers, who had their Betfred Cup tie at Hamilton last weekend cancelled and a 3-0 defeat handed to them, are believed to h av e 10 players unavailable with five players testing positive for the virus and five more in self-isolation with a member of Brian Reid’s backroom staff also affected.

Talks that kicked off on Thursday over fears Rovers would be forced to field a team made up mostly of their under-19 squad con t inued yesterday.

Bollan said: “It is a difficult situation for Albion Rovers and one that could happen at any time. We have to prepare for the game going ahead but it is difficult as we have no idea what their line-up will be.

“We’ll be as professional as we can in our planning but may need to make changes on the spot.”

If the game goes ahead, the Central Park boss will watch from the stand after accepting a onegame touchline ban after being sent off against Stranraer a fortnight ago.

Bollan said: “I was redc a r d e d when Robbie Buchanan was sent off and, while I still believe that was an incorrect decision, I will take my medicine.”

Cowdenbeath will be without the suspended Buchanan as well as Jamie Pyper, David Cox, Kris Renton and Gavin Morrison, who are all are out injured. The Blue Brazil are also missing Graham Hay and Brad Smith after their loans from Broughty Athletic ended.