Challenge Cup gives Swanson his stage

Published on Tuesday 4 September 2007 00:09

TALENTED Berwick Rangers midfielder Danny Swanson will be the centre of attention tonight in the Challenge Cup.

A number of clubs will be watching the young midfielder against Partick Thistle after he turned down a move to Hamilton last week.

The fact Berwick reached agreement with Hamilton for his signature has alerted clubs he would be allowed to move on if a deal was agreed when the window re-opens.

Manager John Coughlin said yesterday: "I took a chance with Danny and signed him from his juvenile club when a number of others reckoned he was too wee and not strong enough. But I said then that I could see that he could play. He has come on leaps and bounds."

Steve Noble, Robbie Manson and Tommy Lennox miss out at Firhill but ex-St Mirren forward Scott Gemmill comes in from the start. Partick are without Mark Roberts and Simon Donnelly.

Morton include recent signing Michael Gardyne and the returning Jay Shields in their squad for the visit to Peterhead, although Iain Russell, signed for 40,000 from Brechin, is cup-tied.

Peterhead have Graeme Sharp doubtful but Martin Bavidge, after his hat-trick against Berwick at the weekend, will be looking to add to his goal tally.

Airdrie manager Kenny Black will not make any changes against Arbroath, who have Chris Hegarty back after suspension but Brian Clark, signed on loan from Dundee, is cup-tied.

Forfar's Paul Lunan and Stephen McNally are both suspended for tonight's match against Ayr after red cards at the weekend. Ayr are missing Martyn Campbell but Jerome Vareille could start.

East Stirling manager Gordon Wylde reported a full-strength squad to meet Queen's Park, who will be without the suspended Alan Trouten.

Montrose keeper Mark Peat is struggling and Stuart McKenzie stands by to face Brechin City, who are without John Ward and Richard Walker. And with the loss of the transferred Iain Russell, both Calum Smith and Chris Geddes will get their chance.

LAST NIGHT

UEFA Champions League

Third qualifying round, second leg:

AEK Athens 1, Sevilla 4 (Agg: 1-6)

Clydesdale Bank Premier League

Motherwell 0, Hearts 2.

Coca-Cola Championship

Blackpool 2, Hull City 1.

TONIGHT (7.45pm unless stated)

Scottish League Challenge Cup

Second round:

Airdrie Utd v Arbroath;

East Stirlingshire v Queen's Park (7.30pm);

Forfar Athletic v Ayr Utd;

Montrose v Brechin City;

Partick Thistle v Berwick Rangers;

Peterhead v Morton.