ALBION Rovers are all set for their biggest game in 85 years tonight, and manager Jim Chapman yesterday got the go ahead to field his strongest possible side after his players' employers allowed them time off today for their Challenge cup semi-final clash with Ross County.
Chapman said: "It has been a worry, but the employers have been ever so good. Although it may mean that some lads have had to change shifts, our whole squad is going north."
The club's directors have chipped in to make sure that the players do no
t lose out financially from taking time off.
The last time Rovers were in the semi-final of a national competition was back in 1921 when they were beaten by Rangers in the Scottish Cup.
Chapman added: "We trained last night and we are all ready to go. We have done our homework. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain as this is the biggest game this club has had in a long, long time.
"The important thing for us is that we go there and do our best. They must be favourites but this is the cup and upsets can happen. But if we are beaten we want to come off that park knowing that we have done everything we could to win. I want my lads to go out and enjoy the occasion."
Rovers have Ciaran Donnelly suspended while Ross County manager Scott Leitch will wait until later today to decide his line-up. Sean Webb is still out but Derek Adams trained yesterday and will be checked out today along with Alex Williams, Michael Gardyne and Fergus Tiernan. Leitch said: "I have emphasised to them that no chances can be taken as Rovers have already shown by their win at Firhill [against Partick] that they can be dangerous. We will have to be at our best."
Meanwhile, Clyde manager Joe Miller has appealed for the fans to rally round the side tonight as they entertain Morton in the other semi-final. Miller said: "This could be this club's first cup final for 50 years. I know that their fans will travel with them and we must make sure that this does not seem like a home game for them."
Strikers Andy Ferguson and Dougie Imrie are both doubtful for Clyde.
Morton will travel to Broadwood with the backing of over 1,000 fans.
However, goalkeeper David McGurn, Dean Keenan and David McGregor are still missing for the Second Division leaders and manager Jim McInally will rely on the side which beat Forfar on Saturday.
The full article contains 449 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
