Dundee looking to go 14 league games undefeated

Published on Friday 1 January 2010 21:18

FIRST Division leaders Dundee will be looking to keep their promotion push going by seeing off bottom club Airdrie United tomorrow in the fixture re-arranged from the frozen Excelsior Stadium to Dens Park.

Jocky Scott's side will look to make it make it 14 league games in a row without defeat, however they will need to do so without the services of midfielder Gary Harkins, who is suspended following his red card at Inverness last weekend.

Goalkeeper Tony Bulloch, defender David Cowan, midfielder Paul McHale and striker Sean Higgins remain out injured. Maros Klimpl returned last Saturday as a substitute after a lengthy injury period and he may step in to replace Harkins with boss Scott also able to call on the experienced Darren Young if required.

Scott said: "I am delighted to have a game as it gives us the chance to keep our momentum going. In hindsight our point at Inverness last weekend was a good point to get especially with Partick Thistle and Queen of the South drawing. I know Kenny Black will have his side fighting for everything."

Black will be without midfielder Alan Trouten following his sending off against Ross County on 19 December and defender David Nixon will not feature because of a lack of match practice. The fit again defensive trio of Tom Parratt, Mark Smyth and Ryan McCann and midfielder Scott McLaughlin may also miss out as a lack of facilities for Airdrie to practice on this week has disrupted Black's plans.

Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre will be out to celebrate being offered a contract extension by seeing off neighbours Raith Rovers at East End Park today (picth inspection 10am) The Pars will be without long term injury victim Stephen Glass and also Scott Muirhead, who sprained his ankle this week. Goalkeeper Greg Fleming will return.

Rovers midfielder Greg Cameron has returned to Dundee United although colleagues Jonny Russell and Kevin Smith remain at Stark's Park on loan and are in the squad for this game. Defender Dougie Hill is suspended, while captain Iain Davidson could be included after injury.

The Highland derby between Inverness and Ross County has been postponed because of heavy snow and all Second Division fixtures are off.

In the Third Division, there is a 9.30am pitch inspection at Sheilfield Park for the Berwick v Livingston game.

Berwick will be without suspended defender Elliot Smith and midfielder Stuart Callaghan for the visit of the league leaders

who have defender Jonny Brown suspended. Striker David Winters has left the club after his contract expired, with defender Stephen Husband returning to Hearts at the end of his loan spell.

Queen's Park chase the win that will move them onto the fringes of the promotion chasing play-off pack at home to Albion Rovers who are looking for their first league win in three months. No pitch inspection is scheduled at Hampden. All other Third Division games are off.