Harper: I could have strolled it

Albion Rovers boss Kevin Harper says his team were such walkovers against Elgin on Saturday that he could have played against them.

The former Derby and Portsmouth midfielder slammed his players and labelled their performance in the 4-2 defeat at Borrough Briggs “unacceptable”.

Rovers remain eight points adrift at the bottom of League Two and face Stirling Albion this weekend.

The Binos are the only team Rovers have overcome this season, winning 3-0 when John Brogan was in charge.

Harper knows there has to be an improvement in performance after his side “took a big step backwards”on the Moray coast.

He told the Advertiser: “We were shocking at the weekend and it was unacceptable from every player.

“The attitude, desire and work rate were miles off what is required to win games.

“We were moving forward with our performances in the last two games but we took a big step backwards against Elgin.

“We’re too nice as a team and don’t get in the opposition’s face.

“I could have played against our boys on Saturday. That’s how easy it was for Elgin.”

The January transfer window is less than three weeks away and Harper has identified some players that he wants to add to his squad.

Two trialists with SPFL experience, whose identities remain under wraps, have been training with the club this week and Harper says he knows what his side needs.

He continued:“It doesn’t look like we have anyone that can step up and be a talisman for us.

“There are players who I feel can step up for us but I know who won’t.

“The simple fact is that those who don’t won’t be at the club much longer.

“I have an idea of what my best team is at the moment.

“Performances like Saturday’s allow me to find out more about my squad and show me what I need.”

The new boss added: “I’ve been in charge for three games now and I’m not prepared to allow for performances like that.

“The boys should be aware of how we play and what I expect of them in and out of possession.

“With regards to the trialists, we’ll see what they can offer and bring them in if they’re better than what we have.”