Injury woes won't make Rose wilt

Rose, who were without the services of several key players in last weekend's Scottish Cup defeat to Beith, play host to Lochee United in the Super League tomorrow.

"For a game as tough as this one, it's the same story," said Baikie.

"We have Mark Bradley out (broken leg] plus Scott Wilson out till November. Kevin Donnelly won't play again until probably December. Dario Quinn is out for another month while John Adam will possibly be back in October.

"Ian Nimmo is at least a couple of weeks away from match fitness and there are others carrying knocks. But we have to think on the positive side as Keith Hogg is now back in the pool after a long time out."

When the clubs last met - in last season's Scottish Junior Cup semi-final - Lochee were hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. However, this term a transformation in their fortunes sees them second in the table.

Baikie added: "Lochee are a good side and, with new boss Paul Ritchie in charge, are pushing hard for the title again.

"They're ahead of us in the league table but we're in a better position than this time last season. Last week at Beith was a huge disappointment but we have to look forward and take positives from it. We had the better of the first half and, if we had scored first, then we would have gone on and won the game.

"Last season, we had a couple of cracking games against Lochee and it would be good to get a win tomorrow and bring the players back on track.

"At training this week they've been down but we're looking for a response and, with the players we have, I'm confident they will bounce back."

"Lochee are a good side and, with new boss Paul Ritchie in charge, are pushing hard for the title" dave baikie