The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hoops rematch not on agenda – Turner
Kyle Turner is praying Dunfermline can avoid a swift reunion with Celtic if the Pars book their place in the last-16 of the Betfred Cup today.
The Fifers were drawn against the champions in last season’s competition and gave a magnificent show of themselves, taking the tie to extra-time before James Forrest secured a 2-1 triumph.
While a memorable occasion and admirable display, Turner would rather miss Celtic – and Rangers for that matter – until the later rounds as Dunfermline eye a lengthy cup run.
First, however, they must claim at least a point against Clyde this afternoon in order to top Group E and seal their progression.
Turner said: “We drew Celtic last year so that illustrates how close you are to a big tie if you progress.
“It could be another Celtic or Rangers again. Although, to be honest, it would be nice if we could miss them this time – or at least play them a wee bit later!
“It’s just the luck of the draw and if things go your way then you could have a great chance to have a real run in the competition.
“We wouldn’t be scared of playing anyone with the way we are playing right now. It would obviously be much tougher playing a Celtic or Rangers than another team, but we’ ll fancy ourselves against pretty much anyone, providing we get through.
“I think you saw that against Kilmarnock.
“Although they had a weakened team, we went down there and won 3- 0 against a Premiership team.”
Raith Rovers keeper Robbie Thomson hopes he has done enough to give theKir kcal dy club’ s management team food for thought ahead of their final Betfred Cup group game at Cowdenbeath this afternoon.
A win would be enough to see Raith finish second behind Hearts in Group A but, with the Kirkcaldy club sitting on five points at the moment, a minor miracle would be required for them to progress as one of the four best runners-up.
Thomson shone after being picked for Tuesday’s Betfred Cup clash against Inverness, making a stunning double-save in injury-time to keep ensure Rovers secured a breathless 3-3 draw.
He hopes to retain the jersey ahead of competition from former Kilmarnock keeper Robbie Thomson.
He said: The most important thing is to ensure when the chance comes, you are in the right frame of mind to grasp it.
“Hopefully I’ ve done enough to keep my place. I’ve been working hard and, although I’ve not been playing in the league, I’ve kept showing the right attitude and it would be great to get another appearance on Saturday.”
Cowdenbeath are without the suspended Robbie Buchanan and the injured Graham Hay, David Cox, Kris Renton and Gavin Morrison.
Boss Gary Bollan said: “Our performances in this competition have deserved more than that and hopefully we can put that right against Raith but we know that it will not be easy as they are flying in the Championship.”
East Fife boss Darren Young wants his side to build on a positive display against Hearts in midweek by winning at Inverness Caledonian Thistle to round off their Betfred Cup campaign on a high.
He said: “Despite losing, I praised the players afterwards and congratulated them on playing so well.
“We looked more solid at the back and showed what we were capable of going forward. Whilst it was disappointing to do that after losing two goals, we know now the standards they can hit.”
“If we get a 90-minute performance up at Inverness to that standard then we could win.”
The Fifers’ only doubt is experienced midfielder Danny Swanson, who is carrying a knock.