The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Lichties boss’s selection dilemma for Pars clash
Arbroath boss Dick Campbell reckons that picking a side to face Dunfermline is one of the hardest jobs he has had in all his years as a manager – whereas his opposite number in today’s Betfred Cup tie, Stevie Crawford, will be delighted to go with the same again.
Campbell said: “We are facing what is probably the best Dunfermline team in recent years.
“They are top of our league and coming here after beating a strong Hearts side, so we are massive underdogs.
“I need to come up with a team that can win a oneoff game against them, whereas I would imagine their manager will not be looking to change anything after their last outing.
“I need to put a side on the park that will play out of their skins to win.
“However, not only do I need to find a side that can score against Dunfermline, I need a side that can stop them scoring and when you consider their centre half, Euan Murray, has scored seven times, it will not be that easy.
“I have listed several different line-ups and it will be a case of going with the right one.
“The players selected will be told to go out and look to cause an upset by taking the game to Dunfermline.”
One player missing from all of Campbell’s permutations is defender T homas O’Brien with Campbell saying: “That is a huge blow.
“Thomas picked up a knock in the draw with Morton last weekend and he will be missed as he is a huge part of our team and up there with the best defenders in the Championship.”
Also out is Ma r k Whatley with Campbell adding: “That means we are without our captain and vice-captain, so we need other players to show leadership qualities.”
As well as having O’Brien a n d Wh a t l e y missing the Red Lichties are also without David Gold who is banned.
Meanwhile, Kerr McInroy used to leave Dunfermline every morning in pursuit of his football dream – now the Celtic youngster is desperate to help his home-town team stay on the road to success.
The 20-year-old grew up in Dunfermline and was a regular at East End Park as a youngster when he would watch current boss Stevie Crawford turn out for the Pars.
But his own football career put an end to following the Fifers and instead he clocked up the miles after signing for Celtic aged 12.
The m i d fi e l d e r ’s education moved from Dunfermline to St Ninian’s High School in
Kirkintilloch, where Celtic’s academy players mix their academic and football tuition.
It meant long days for McInroy but he is hopeful of showing it was all worthwhile after revelling in the chance to play firstteam football with the club he supported as a boy after joining on loan in the summer.
The Scotland under-21 cap said: “When I knew I was going out on loan from Celtic in the summer, I thought the best place would be somewhere I was going to play.
“Dunfermline were keen to get me in and it was the perfect fit.
“With me knowing the club, it made it a bit easier to settle in and it’s close to my house, which obviously helps.
“I have been enjoying it, we have been on a good run and not been beaten since I came here. The boys are doing well, flying really.”
McInroy won plaudits for his display in last Friday’s 2-1 victory over Hearts but is fully aware they will have to be back on top form at Gayfield if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.
He added: “Everyone is looking forward to it and there is a carrot of seeing who you might get in the next round, getting a wee run together and maybe getting to Hampden. But you need the hard work on Saturday first.”