Fifers’ boss faces up to selection problems

East Fife manager Darren Young’s frustration at not having a full squad available has been heightened ahead of travelling to Clyde in the Scottish Cup.

St Johnstone have refused permission for goalkeeper Mark Hurst and striker Greg Hurst to play, Dundee have blocked a move to field Jordan Piggott and St Mirren have done likewise with Nathan Flanagan.

Injuries have ruled out Scott Linton and Pat Slattery, and with Craig Watson and Chris Kane extremely doubtful, Young knows that he will be fielding an unfamiliar line-up.

The Bayview boss said: “We will be missing up to eight players and unfortunately that has been the case a few times this season.

“We were going to be under pressure anyway but the fact that we are under-strength adds to that. However, while it is frustrating, we will get a team out and look to win through.”

Young is also hoping that his side can find a way to convert chances into goals.

He explained: “In our last two games we have had more efforts on goal than the teams we have played against. However, we have failed to score and lost both games as mistakes at the back were punished.

“We cannot play like we have been playing for a third game and not score.

“It is not just the strikers that are due a break as efforts from other players have not found their way into the net either.

“Hopefully we will get what we are due at Broadwood.”

Darren Young: could be without eight players for today’s tie.