Raith Rovers vs Morton preview - Wales misses out for Raith

Posted Saturday, January 22, 2011 by PA

First Division leaders Raith Rovers are again without injured striker Gary Wales for the visit of Morton.

Defender Grant Murray and winger Scott McBride are both facing a fitness battle to be included.

The two games between the sides this season have been settled by a solitary goal in the Kirkcaldy men's favour and Starks boss John McGlynn is predicting another tight encounter this time.

McGlynn said: "I cannot envisage there being too much between us. I will gladly settle for a narrow win and keeping hold of the lead of the First Division.

"Morton are getting to a place in the table where you would be expecting them to be, however the signing of Derek Lyle shows that they certainly want to push on from there."

Morton have defender Marc Smyth available.

Morton boss Allan Moore can play Smyth as his ban for being sent-off against Airdrie in midweek will be applied in the Cup replay between the sides.

Midfielder Darren Young and on-loan Celtic striker Sean Fitzharris are doubts through injury but David MacGregor is added to the squad that faced the Diamonds after suspension.

Cappielow boss Moore said: "We have managed to move up a few places in the table recently, however I will not be settling for just that.

"I want us to push for as high as we can starting at Raith Rovers.

"We have been really unlucky in our games against them so far this season so hopefully we can grab the only goal of the game this time out."