Raith Rovers vs Greenock Morton preview - Clarke misses out for Raith

Posted Saturday, March 30, 2013 by PA

Raith entertain deposed league leaders Morton without striker Pat Clarke who picked up a groin injury in Wednesday night's 4-2 defeat at Dumbarton.

Eddie Malone also misses out due to a ban, although Laurie Ellis could return after shaking off a calf knock to return to training.

Player/manager Grant Murray is pleased the game is coming soon after the midweek defeat.

He explained: "It was disappointing to lose a two-goal lead so I am looking for us to bounce back quickly.

"In our last game with Morton we played some of our best football of the season but missed a lot of chances as we lost 1-0. If we can reach that level of performance again and be ruthless we will do okay in this one."

Morton will give defender Kevin Rutkiewicz until close to kick-off time to prove he is over a calf injury.

The Greenock side, who were knocked off top spot when Partick won in midweek, will definitely be without Stephen Stirling following his leg break, and Willie Dyer who continues to recover from a shoulder injury.

Cappielow manager Allan Moore said: "We are now the hunters as opposed to the hunted. We just have to go out and win our games and see what happens, starting at Kirkcaldy.

"The key will be keeping our former striker Brian Graham quiet as he has had a great season. We did not defend well against him in our last visit there and lost three goals."