Boost for Campbell as key pair return

Denholm and Swankie fit for clash with Stranraer at Gayfield

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell received a boost with two key players set to play their part when the Red Lichties face Stranraer at Gayfield this afternoon.

The veteran manager was resigned to being without Danny Denholm, who was injured in last week’s Angus derby win over Forfar, along with Gavin Swankie.

It was thought the former would be out for three weeks with damaged ankle ligaments but he made a surprise return to training this week, along with the latter.

Campbell said: “Danny had to come off early on Saturday after picking up a real sore one on his ankle.

“Jim (Forfar boss Weir) had his team wound up like 10-bob watches, but I knew that was coming on the back of them getting beaten the previous week in the Scottish Cup by a Highland League team.

“It was an away Angus derby against Arbroath so I knew Forfar would be up for the game.

“If they continue to play like that, then they will not be in any trouble at all.

“So it was a battle especially at the start and Danny had to come off.

“It looked like he would be out for a few weeks but he trained on Wednesday night. Would you believe, he has a chance of making the game on Saturday.

“Gavin Swankie has also trained all week so he is 100% and fit.

“We still have Steven Doris and Josh Skelly out injured and Omar Kader is unavailable again due other commitments. In fairness to him, he told me at the start of the season that he would miss three games, which is unfortunate as he is a big player for us, but we will just have to get on with it.”

Arbroath have won their last three games and the last time they played Stranraer, they thumped them 6-2 at Stair Park.

However, Campbell insists that result will count for little today.

“Stranraer are only six points behind us with two games in hand. So I am expecting a tight game,” he said.

“I changed the shape of the team three games ago and since then we have taken full points.

“If you look at Ayr and Raith Rovers, they are nine and six points ahead of everybody else at the top of the table and they should be as they are full-time.

“There are then six points covering four teams.

“But I am happy with how we are doing. We are top of the part-time league, so to speak, and we will look to stay there.”