Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Rovershope tobefreshfor Cowdenclash
Albion Rovers boss Brian Reid is hopeful that a short break from League Two action can help his side get players back from injury.
The Cliftonhill side’s match with leaders Kelty Hearts was postponed due to Kevin Thomson’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie with holders St Johnstone – which they won 1-0.
It means Rovers’match with basement club Cowdenbeath will be their first in a fortnight amid a testing season of injuries for manager Reid.
Key players like Kyle Doherty have had lengthy injury lay-offs but despite sitting ninth - second bottom - Albion Rovers are just five points off the final promotion play-off spot of fourth.
Reid hopes that this break can help his men regroup and get some players fit for hosting the Blue Brazil.
He said:“we’ve had our problems with injuries this season and again in recent weeks we have had players out injured.
“We seem to have had five or six players missing every week. So this period has given us a bit of time to hopefully get some of those players back.
“Hopefully we can get closer to a full complement of players because we have had really bad luck with injuries and different things like that.
“Hopefully we can get through the second half of the season by getting some of these guys ready.
“This wee break has helped with their recovery time and hopefully being available.”
Reid is also hoping to replenish his squad with new signings, following on from the loan captures of attacker Josh Jack from St Mirren and goalkeeper Harry Stone from Hearts.
But it’s been a difficult window so far as the market he’s shopping in is tough.
He added:“it’s been quiet but I am still looking to add in a couple of positions if I am able to.
“That is what every manager in every division is looking to do at the moment. It is difficult.
“At Albion Rovers, we have budget restraints and we have to pick and choose who we get a little bit. We just need to see what is out there for us.
“I am looking to bring a couple of players in.”
The Rovers boss has also reflected on the first half of his side’s season, hopeful of a tilt towards the top.
“It’s been okay, the season so far,”he said.“we are ninth but there’s not a lot between fourth and ninth.
“We have games to get back up there so that is what we are looking to do. It would certainly help if we could get everyone back fit and healthy, ready to challenge for places. It should give your team an edge but at the minute we are running on bare bones.”