Bollan plans changes as Cowden eye third round trip to United

Cowdenbeath manager Gary Bollan will ring the changes as his side take on Partick Thistle for a place in the Scottish Cup third round tonight.

The Blue Brazil head to Glasgow knowing a trip to face Dundee United at Tannadice is up for grabs in the next round – but Bollan looking to get the balance right between league and cup football.

The Central Park side sit eighth in League Two after drawing 0-0 with Annan on Saturday and Bollan said: “We are heading into the unknown a bit because both teams have been off for so long.

“For me, though, our league campaign and Saturday’s game against Stranraer is just as important as this one.

“We will probably be a much-changed side from the team that played on Saturday. It gives us the chance to get minutes into boys who didn’t get on and some boys who maybe can’t yet manage two full 90 minutes quick succession.

“With the number of games coming up it is going to be important to rotate and keep everyone as fresh as we can.”

Bollan added: “We are fully aware we will be going to Firhill as massive underdogs. It would be great if we could win because everyone loves a cup run.

“We will be going out to get through, because the players have the incentive of playing at Tannadice.

“It would be disappointing to get there and not have fans there, but it would be a great day for the players to experience a Premiership ground.

“Annan was always going to be a difficult place to go, the games against them always tend to mirror themselves.

“Our effort and commitment were fine but we know we need to be more clinical and creative in the final third against Thistle if we are to stand a chance.” in

Gary Bollan plans to field a much-changed side.