Airdrie and Albion Rovers Scottish Cup Team News

Nov 27 2009 By Colin Paterson

Airdrie United v Queen of the South

New Broomfield, 3pm.

AIRDRIE boss Kenny Black has selection problems in defence ahead of tomorrow's clash with First Division rivals Queens.

An ankle injury looks set to keep centre-half David Nixon out of the match. Black is already without the defensive duo of Tom Parratt (broken foot) and Marc Smyth (gilmore's groin).

Paul Lovering is back in the squad following a foot complaint but striker Scott Gemmill is still missing with a thigh problem.

The absence of Nixon means a likely start for Simon Storey in central defence alongside Bobby Donnelly with Ryan McCann and Lovering set for full-back roles.

Ricky Waddell, having played left-back in the 4-2 defeat at home to Morton, could be moved further forward with Scott McLaughlin partnering either Frankie Lagana or Kevin McDonald in the middle of the park.

Diamonds gaffer Black told Advertiser Sport: "It's not the ideal draw for both sides but we will be looking to try and get the job done at the first time of asking.

"Queens have made a solid start to the campaign and they will no doubt be raring to go having not played for a fortnight after their last match was postponed.

"We know that it is a horrible little run we are on at the moment but let's hope we can generate a feel-good factor throughout the club with a win in the cup.

"There were positives last Saturday, we caused Morton a few problems, and we need to try and concentrate on them and move away from the negatives before Saturday."

Queens have won just one of their last eight games at New Broomfield against the Diamonds.

Albion Rovers v Elgin City

Cliftonhill, 3pm.

ROVERS manager Paul Martin is ready to welcome back three key players for the visit of Elgin.

Defender Mick O'Byrne, midfielder Chris Boyle and striker David McFarlane are in contention for starting places for this all-Third Division tie.

The Coatbridge part-timers have failed to win and score in their last five league games and they welcome Ross Jack's men on the back of a 2-0 loss at Livingston on Tuesday night.

Martin will definitely be missing Todd Lumsden, Mark Canning and Steven McKeown.