Black's fringe players could have final say

Oct 8 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

AIRDRIE UNITED are dealing with a double suspension blow ahead of Sunday’s Challenge Cup crunch with Partick Thistle.

Experienced duo Marc Smyth and Kevin McDonald are both banned for the televised last four clash at Firhill after picking up bookings in the ties with Dumbarton and Cowdenbeath.

With full-back Matt Hazley unlikely to be ready following a five-week lay-off, boss Kenny Black will be forced to delve deep into his squad as he targets a place in the final.

And that could mean a lifeline for fringe players who the manager insists aren’t doing enough to push for a starting slot.

Airdrie travel to Glasgow’s West End on the back of Saturday’s 3-1 loss to St Johnstone – their fourth reverse in a row.

Black told the Advertiser: “Marc and Kevin are both missing and that is a blow as they are two very important players for us.

“But it gives other people an opportunity to come in so it is up to us to utilise the squad and try and make things difficult for Partick.

“I was looking for two or three players to step up to the mark in last week’s reserve game with Queen’s Park but I failed to get a spark from a few of them.

“And that is why I didn’t make as many changes as I had anticipated on Saturday.

“The ones who are not playing really need to catch my eye whether it be in training, reserve games or when they get their chance in the first-team.”

Black added: “This game has probably come at the right time.

“It gets us away from the pressure of trying to pick up league points and reaching the final would give us a huge lift.

“Form goes out the window when it comes to cup games and we are 90 minutes away from a final which is great for everyone connected with the club.”

Meanwhile, chairman Jim Ballantyne insists the competition is a vital source of income to SFL clubs.

He said: “Getting to the final is worth at least £30,000 and if there were a full house for the game, then the winning team would be chasing around £75,000.

“These are substantial figures for clubs at our level and shows that the Challenge Cup is a hugely important competition.

“Having the game live on TV gives much more exposure and ALBA’s sponsorship of the competition means the overall prize fund is much higher.”