Brechin vs Albion Rovers preview - Hodge boost for resurget Brechin

Brechin welcome back midfielder Bryan Hodge after a two-match ban as they face in-form Albion Rovers.

Winger Derek Carcary is doubtful with a knee problem and defender Gerry McLachlan remains sidelined as Brechin look to move into fourth place should they win and fellow promotion chasers East Fife lose at Dumbarton.

Manager Jim Weir said: "If we win this game we will have picked up eight points from the second quarter of the season after only four games, as opposed to nine from nine games in the first one and that shows progress.

"Ideally you want to go on the type of run Rovers have been on recently, where three wins in a row in a league as tight as this can dramatically change your position."

Albion Rovers manager Paul Martin's plans have been through into disarray through illness.

Both Martin's central defenders, Mick O'Byrne and Todd Lumsden, are struggling with a virus and missed training on Thursday.

Steven Canning, Barry Russell and Chris Boyle are all sidelined through injury.

Martin said: "We'll have a concern in the centre of our defence if these guys do not make it and it will be all hands to the pump in terms of helping out, whoever comes in as the other injuries have restricted my options.

"We're on a good run that is transforming our season and we really want to keep it going, although we recognise that winning at Glebe Park is a tough ask even with a full side."