Malone doubt for Rovers

Posted Saturday, January 05, 2013 by PA

Raith Rovers have a doubt over Eddie Malone when they face Airdrie at Stark's Park.

The defender picked up a hip knock against Dunfermline on Wednesday.

The Kirkcaldy men are looking for their first win in seven games in the First Division and manager Grant Murray knows they will be facing a dogged Diamonds side.

Murray said: "Airdrie have picked up two draws in their last two games and are showing their determined to move up the table.

"We have had four hard games against them already this season in the league and the Scottish Cup and we hold the upper hand with two wins and two draws.

"They will be determined to get a win over us so we have to be prepared to battle."

Airdrie manager Jimmy Boyle has a selection headache as seven players have been ruled out through injury and top goalscorer John Boyle is a doubt.

Missing for the Diamonds will be Kenny Arthur, Sean Lynch, Gregor Buchanan, Jamie Barclay, Alan Cook, Gavin Griffin and Paul di Giacomo.

To add to their shortage of numbers Cameron Macdonald has left by mutual consent.

Boss Boyle said: "We are really short of players but the youngsters that have come in for us in the past have always done well.

"We have drawn our last two games and a win would be a great result at Raith especially as Dumbarton have closed everything up at the foot of the table."