We’ll go all out to top group, insists Campbell

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell admits he has not given up hope of qualifying from the group stages of the Betfred Cup as his side gear up to face Ross County tonight.

The Gayfield gaffer was delighted with the result and the fitness levels shown by his players as they beat Elgin City in the competition on Saturday.

They now have a second home game in succession against the Staggies with the chance to leapfrog the Highland outfit and go top of Group A.

Campbell said: “I was obviously pleased with the result against a good Elgin City side on Saturday. However, as I have said, these games are all about building the lads’ fitness and they certainly put in a shift.

“Our fitness levels are looking great and they will certainly be put to the test against Ross County, a side who have just come down from the Premiership.

“We are still in with a sneaky chance of qualifying from the group so we will give it our best shot and see where it takes us.

“After this game, we have a friendly against Aberdeen on Sunday and then a bit of breathing space.

“That will allow us to be fully prepared for the League One opener against Stewart Petrie’s Montrose.” Campbell will be without key defender Tam O’Brien – who scored the second of his side’s two goals against Elgin – through suspension, although Ryan McCord is back from holiday.

There will also be a place in the squad for 22-year-old midfielder Finn Graham, with Campbell finally signing the former Brechin player late last week.

The boss added: “Finn played 80-odd games for Brechin and will be a good addition. I have signed him on an initial deal until Christmas so he comes to us with a point or two to prove.”