Partick vs Cowdenbeath preview - Lawless plays no part

Posted Saturday, January 26, 2013 by PA

Promotion-seeking Partick will be without Steven Lawless against visitors Cowdenbeath after the former Motherwell striker fractured a cheekbone in last Saturday's 4-1 win over Falkirk.

Aaron Muirhead is expected to be available after illness, but Stephen O'Donnell's ankle problem will keep him out.

Partick boss Jackie McNamara is giving his opponents maximum respect as they are scrapping at the wrong end of the table.

McNamara said: "We need to be careful as we saw recently against Dumbarton what can happen when you are facing teams that are fighting for their lives.

"They battle for everything and if you give them any encouragement defensively or fail to score when you are on top, you can lose.

"Cowdenbeath will be exactly the same and I remember how well they played the last time they were here, so we are well warned."

Cowdenbeath player/manager Colin Cameron will miss out as the former Scotland midfielder is serving a one-game ban.

The Blue Brazil are also without loan signing Sam Stanton from Hibs, who injured a leg in training this week as well as Greg Stewart and Mark Ramsay with respective ankle injuries. Liam Cusack remains sidelined due to a knee problem.

But John Anderson is expected to overcome a foot injury to feature with Cameron warning his men that they will be facing a buoyant home side.

He said: "They will be ready from the first whistle after a good win over Falkirk that ended a disappointing run.

"We did well in our last game at Firhill and were unlucky to lose 2-1. We can take something from this one."