Strength in depth crucial to Weir

Elgin City manager Jim Weir reckons the depth of his squad will be tested to the full in the coming weeks.

City make the trip to Berwick with late decisions to be made on leading scorer Shane Sutherland, who picked up a knee injury in last week’s 4-1 win against Clyde, and defender Darryl McHardy, who has a calf injury.

Today’s match is the first of six in 22 days for the Moray club, a run that includes midweek trips to Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath, and Weir said players who have waited for their chance must step up.

Weir said: “It’s a really busy month that’s going to stretch the squad to the limit. We have a strong bench and, if changes are required, we have got quality options we can bring on.

“The players are desperate to get into the team and with the midweek games coming up they will be key for us. If Shane and Darryl miss out then those who have been on the bench need to take the opportunity to show they are worthy of staying i n the team.”

Elgin have won both encounters against Berwick this season but Weir believes the Shielfield Park club is on the rise, having taken seven points out of a possible nine including last weekend’s 3-2 win against leaders Forfar.

Weir said: “Berwick are a vastly improved side. One thing about their manager John Coughlin is he knows the lower leagues and he knows how to change things.

“They didn’t have the best of starts and went through a sticky spell after we beat t hem 4- 2 in September. We know the threat they carry. Whoever we face we know we need to work hard and win the duels first. We are starting to hit a good spell of form just now.”