Raith Rovers vs Dunfermline preview - Murray poised to start

Posted Saturday, March 16, 2013 by PA

Raith player-manager Grant Murray looks set to start the Fife Derby against visitors Dunfermline.

Simon Mensing will be absent for a third game running due to a broken finger.

Everyone else in the Stark's Park squad is available with Murray saying: "Simon can train at the moment but he cannot do any work that would involve any physical contact so a hotly-contested Derby game is not the game for him to come back to playing in.

"We are looking to bounce back after a disappointing display when we lost to Livingston last weekend.

"After the frustration of the game against Partick Thistle being postponed on Tuesday this is a great game for us as everyone will be well up for it."

Dunfermline will make the short trip with Jordan McMillan and Andy Geggan available after suspension.

The Pars are also boosted by the return to fitness of Shaun Byrne, Stephen Jordan and Craig Dargo, but ankle injuries continue to keep Josh Falkingham and Andy Barrowman out.

Assistant-manager Gerry McCabe is again hoping that the players can put aside fears over the future of the club and rise to the occasion at Stark's Park.

He said: "The boys showed last week when they were two down to Airdrie and came back for a draw that they have plenty of fight left.

"They will need to show that same spirit again against Raith Rovers in what is a huge game for our fans."