The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Elgin manager confident ahead of play-offs
Elgin City manager Ross Jack hopes today’s trip to Hampden Park to face Queen’s Park will be a dress rehearsal for the Second Division play-off final.
The Borough Briggsmen take on the Spiders at the national stadium in the final game of the Third Division season with a playoff place already secured.
Elgin will play Forfar Athletic or Albion Rovers, with the first game in Moray on Wednesday, while second- placed Queen’s Park play Stranraer in the other semifinal.
After 12 years of toil in the SFL Jack reckons Elgin are finally ready to move up the senior ladder after qualifying for the play-offs for the first time.
Stuart Leslie, Mark Nicolson and Jamie Duff will not start Hampden to lessen the risk of suspension for the play-offs.
Midfielders Ceiran Mclean and Lewishalford both come into contention.
Jack said: “We could be going back tohampden for the play-off final, but Stranraer will have other ideas.”
He added: “We need to go to the national stadium and keep the momentum going.
“At the same time we have to give players that are on the verge of suspension a break.
“There are one or two carrying little niggling injuries that we will have to rest as well.
“With that inmind it is a chance to look at the whole squad.
“We will then focus on a mammoth game next Wednesday.
“Phase one of the job is done and I don’t see why we can’t go all the way.
“It does not matter whether we play Albion Rovers or Forfar, bring them on and we will give it our best shot.”
Mclean, 21, made his debut in last month’s 8-1 defeat at Alloa. He said: “I have been working hard and, hopefully, the manager will give me a run out.
“I grew up in Elgin and I have always wanted to play for the club.
“I have been on the bench 20 times and I came on for my debut at Alloa when t h e y won the league.
“I will never forget it for a number of reasons.
“Every boy dreams of playing at Hampden and it would be great to play there.
“Getting into the playoffs is a huge thing for Elgin.
“Hopefully, we can get the club to where it deserves.”