Dunfermline vs Ross County preview - Dowie misses out on County reunion

Posted Saturday, February 19, 2011 by PA

Former Ross County defender Andy Dowie has been ruled out of the Dunfermline squad to face his former side.

Dowie is injured and unlikely to face the Dingwall men along with long-term injury victim Steven Bell and young winger Paul Willis - who has joined Ayr United on loan.

The match is in doubt as the East End Park surface has been battered by recent torrential rain.

Pars boss Jim McIntyre said: "The pitch is struggling but the groundstaff were working on it all day Friday and we are now at the mercy of the weather.

"We will have to guard against the Ross County players lifting their game to impress their new manager Jimmy Calderwood who of course knows his way about East End Park quite well."

Newly appointed Ross County manager Calderwood returns to one of his old stomping grounds without defender Darren McCormack and striker Stevie Craig.

The duo remain out injured as the squad get used to training under the new manager.

Calderwood's assistant Stuart Balmer said: "It has been an exciting few days for everyone at the club and the spirit about the place has been great.

"Hopefully the game will be on and we can take that on to the pitch. Jimmy is a bubbly character and he has everyone here ready to go out and play well for him at a ground that he knows really well.

"It is a tough venue to go looking for three points but we will give it our best shot."