Albion Rovers urged to make history

Jan 13 2010 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

BOSS Paul Martin has urged his Albion Rovers players to go out and make history.

The Cliftonhill part-timers are looking to come through the fourth round of the Scottish Cup for the first time in 89 years.

Victory at home to Stirling Albion this Monday night will see Rovers advance to the last 16 and book a visit to the winners of the clash between Ross County and Inverurie Loco Works on February 6.

Not since 1921 have the Coatbridge outfit gone beyond the fourth round stage in the cup but Martin knows the pressure is all on the promotion-chasing Binos.

He told the Advertiser: “This will be discussed in the dressing room before the game.

“You are in football to make history and achieve things and I feel we have made real progress this season.

“Stirling are a very good side with forward players who have the ability to cause problems.

“They will start as overwhelming favourites and we go into the game under no pressure at all.

“We have to make sure they play on our terms, and not on theirs.

“ If you let a team like Stirling play, they will pass the ball around you all day long.

“They undoubtedly have quality and steel in their side.

“However, we will be as fit as them and I am very happy with the quality of the players I have in my squad.”

The cup-tie looks set to be Rovers’ first chance of a game in over a month, with this weekend’s Third Division visit of Livingston already in doubt despite the rapid thaw which is taking place.

Meanwhile, a deal to sell Bobby Barr to the Lions has almost been agreed.

Rovers will receive a four-figure sum for the out-of-favour playmaker, with the paperwork set to be completed in the coming days.

Martin is keen to add to his squad and is continuing to assess the merits of Paul McLeod, ex-Stranraer star Phil McGrath and Dunfermline youngster Ryan Thomson.

On the injury front, Todd Lumsden is now involved in non-contact ball work. Striker David McFarlane is less than a fortnight away from a return to training.