Dundee vs Dunfermline preview - Smith waiting on duo
Posted Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by PA
Manager Barry Smith is sweating over the availability of Craig McKeown and Stephen O'Donnell ahead of Dundee's clash with Dunfermline.
Smith looks set to delay the duo's fitness tests until the last possible minute as Dundee put their 21-game unbeaten run on the line.
Striker Sean Higgins remains sidelined, but Lochee United's Craig Robertson is available for his last game as a trialist.
Smith said: "I am hoping that Craig and Stephen are both available and I may have another trialist that I can bring in to help bolster numbers.
"This will be a really tough game as Dunfermline are going for promotion and they will be given everything they can for the three points.
"My guys have risen to every challenge so far and hopefully they can rise to this one as well."
Dunfermline will be without Gary Mason following his red card against Stirling on Saturday.
The midfielder joins the injured trio of Neil McGregor, Nicky Phinn and Steven Bell on the sidelines.
The Pars closed the gap on leaders Raith with their win at the weekend and they could go top with another victory at Dens Park.
However, manager Jim McIntyre is playing things cool, insisting they will take it one game at a time.
McIntyre said: "This will be a really tough game and one where we have to be ready to face a Dundee side who are battling fantastically well.
"We are a good side and can beat them, but I am sure Barry Smith will be telling his players exactly the same."
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