Arbroath vs Brechin preview - Weir braced for Arbroath return

Brechin boss Jim Weir returns to Arbroath for the first time since leaving the club last summer and is expecting a hot welcome when he makes the short trip to Gayfield.

City welcome back midfielder Bryan Hodge (toe) for the derby encounter, with only centre-back Gerry MacLachlan missing through injury.

Weir said: "I am sure a few fans will pass comment however I am only concentrating on Brechin City doing well. We looked good in training but need to find a consistent level when it comes to games.

"Arbroath have a great home record but if we start the game well and keep things tight this may well be the game when our strikers start converting their chances."

Arbroath player/manager Paul Sheerin looks likely to only be on the bench against their local rivals.

The 37-year-old is still easing himself back into action after knee surgery in October and is not ready to start against the Glebe Park men.

Loan signing Liam Caddis, from St Johnstone, and striker Jordan Elfverson are both doubts due to ankle knocks.

Sheerin is looking for his side to tighten things up at the back, and said: "The goals we lost at Airdrie last weekend were poor ones and, while we are a very good side going forward, we need to defend better, especially in a game that has extra spice due to the local rivalry between the clubs and our unbeaten home record."

end