Swifts flying high for top of the table trip
TRANENT v JEANFIELD Foresters Park, Saturday, 2.30pm
Jeanfield’s Chris McLeish reckons competition for places in the forward department will bring out the best in everyone.
Manager Ross Gunnion added to his firepower earlier this week with the signing of former St Johnstone youngster Shaun Struthers.
It will provide Swifts with another quality option as they look to maintain an unbeaten start to their East of Scotland Premier Division season.
McLeish, previously of Elgin City, is sure that it can only be a positive to have a number of talented strikers to call upon.
“We’ve not been conceding a lot of goals. Mark Mitchell and the back four have been brilliant,” McLeish said.
“And up the other end a few of us have been popping up with the goals. Hopefully we can build on that.
“My own form hasn’t been too bad so far. I missed a couple of games with a wee hamstring strain but I got a couple goals when I came back.
“I was out for a bit of time last season too before the league got stopped. I never usually pick up injuries but I’m feeling good just now.
“It’s good that we have so many options. We have plenty of back-up. Even when I was injured, Mark Smith came in and bagged a hat-trick. That is brilliant and we all work hard for each other.
“If you don’t start a game, you want to come on and make an impact. We’ve got really good competition up there.”
One player who Swifts will be without for tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash at Tranent is Scott Smith. Smith has fractured a bone in his hand.
Chris Dodd will face a late fitness test as he recovers from a hamstring issue.
“Scott has been really good for us this season,” McLeish added. “But hopefully it isn’t too long before he is back on the park.
“I imagine there will be a couple of changes but it gives others a chance.”
Tranent, who are managed by former Hearts striker Calum Elliot, sit top of the Premier Division standings.
While they are five points better off than Swifts currently, the Perth men have three games in hand. McLeish never expects an easy time of it when travelling through to the East Lothian venue, but there is a confidence in the camp.
And there is also a strong determination to keep hold of the unbeaten record which is currently at eight in the league.
“I’ve played against Tranent once or twice before and they are always a tough team,” McLeish explained. “And they are flying this season.
“They are off to a really good start in the league but the same can be said for us. So I think it will be an exciting game.
“The bigger the game, the better. These are the ones you really want to be involved in. While it’s not near the end of the season yet, this is definitely the type of game where you want the points.”