Trio doubtful for Red Lichties

Posted Saturday, May 01, 2010 by PA

Arbroath defender Gerry McLaughlin is a doubt, while strike duo Steven Hislop and Bryan Scott are also struggling to make the crunch clash with East Fife.

The trio are all injured, however, in more welcome news for manager Jim Weir, the experienced Phil McGuire is back in training and could feature.

Weir is looking for the fans to be the extra man for the clash that will decide if either side will be involved in the end of season relegation play-offs.

Weir said: "We will be looking to lift the fans early and get them behind us at Gayfield as they will be vital in helping us beat East Fife.

"We have worked hard over the past few weeks to get into the position where we could avoid the play-offs and we are almost there."

East Fife boss Steve Crawford hopes to have Jonathan Smart and Andrew Cook available.

The defensive duo came through training on Thursday night with no reaction after they both suffered knocks in last week's game with Stenhousemuir.

Crawford is already missing Alan Lowing, Stevie Campbell, Scott Thomson, Goran Stanic and Mark Staunton from his backline because of injury and did not wish to see his defence further weakened.

The New Bayview boss is determined to get a win which would see his side avoid the end of season relegation play-offs.

He said: "We are a point ahead so everything is still in our hands. We went to Gayfield earlier in the season and won.

"There is no point in looking for a draw in this game as you can get your fingers burnt that way."