Raith Rovers vs Dunfermline preview - Graham available for Raith

Posted Saturday, November 17, 2012 by PA

Raith Rovers have top goalscorer Brian Graham available to face Fife rivals Dunfermline.

The striker served the second game of his two-match suspension in the midweek Scottish Cup win over Airdrie and returns to the fold.

The Stark's Park side are looking to pull to within a point of their neighbours, however, goalkeeper David McGurn is unavailable as he has not fully recovered from a rib injury.

Manager Grant Murray said: "We have wrapped the players in cotton wool since Tuesday as the extra time took a lot out of them.

"This is a big game and I have the nice selection headache of having Brian available again.

"Dunfermline will have been hurt by the Partick Thistle defeat last weekend so they will see this game as the perfect one to bounce back in."

Second-top Dunfermline make the short journey missing only left-back Stephen Jordan who has a calf injury.

They are determined to use the derby game as the perfect pick-me-up after losing 5-1 to Partick Thistle last Saturday.

The Pars' assistant manager Gerry McCabe said: "Thistle deserved their win although the margin of victory was probably greater than was fully merited, however we are really keen to get going again and this is a great game to do that in.

"I watched Raith Rovers in midweek and they are a good side that will also have Brian Graham to play against us but we beat them earlier in the season.

"A repeat of that will have everyone involved with Dunfermline buzzing again."