Cowdenbeath vs Dunfermline preview - A kick in the Shinnie for Cowdenbeath

Cowdenbeath were dealt a blow ahead of their Fife derby with Dunfermline as their loan deal for Rangers youngster Andrew Shinnie fell through.

Boss Jimmy Nicholl will also be without Joe Mbu, John Anderson, Colin Cameron and Greg Stewart for his side's clash with the league leaders.

But Nicholl is determined to remain upbeat as his side go in search of an important win.

He said: "It was really disappointing that Andrew never came here but we will just get on with things. The players have been working extremely hard recently and we will need more of that.

"Dunfermline will be boosted by going top of the table and we have to match them much better than we did in the last game here when they won 4-0."M

League leaders Dunfermline could be without eight players as they make the short trip to Cowdenbeath.

Gary Mason is suspended and Callum Woods, Neil McGregor, Steven Bell, Nicky Phinn, Andy Kirk, Ryan Thomson and Graham Bayne all ruled out or facing late fitness tests.

Former Dundee trialist Jake Hyde has been added to the squad and winger Paul Willis has returned from a loan spell at Ayr United to bolster numbers.

East End Park boss Jim McIntyre has praised his Fife rivals saying: "Cowdenbeath have drawn with Dundee and Falkirk and defeated Partick Thistle recently by battling for everything so we need to be ready for that.

"We have worked hard to get to the top of the table and aim to stay there by winning at Central Park."