Taylor has selection worries as Leith face Stirling in Cup

Published on Thursday 27 August 2009 09:44

LEITH ATHLETIC manager Eugene Taylor has major injury and unavailability concerns ahead of tonight's East Seniors Alex Jack Cup first-round tie against Stirling University at Heriot-Watt University's Riccarton Campus (kick-off 7.00pm).

The game is being played at a neutral venue as Stirling's own home pitches are currently being upgraded with new drainage.

Taylor is not too happy about having to play this cup game only two days before an important First Division match and said: "It seems a bit unfair for the East of Scotland Football League management committee to ask us to play on a Thursday night then a Saturday afternoon. However, the tougher the task the greater the glory, and nobody will expect us to win so we will go out there and give it our best shot. The last time we met a few weeks ago Stirling beat us 4-1 although we played some nice football and looked the more likely to win for the first hour. Stirling are a very good side although I felt that 4-1 flattered them.

"Tonight we have Chris Beaton, Euan Campbell and Darren Lockhart all unavailable although Kevin Freedman returns to the squad."

Raleigh Gowrie, the ex-Whitehill Welfare and Spartans defender who is Stirling head coach said: "Our squad is rather threadbare because of injuries and unavailability so we will probably only have the minimum 14 or 15 players."