East Fife v Saints Preview

Last updated : 13 July 2009 By Stuart Gillespie
Quite what this fixture is doing here is anyone's guess and you have to feel sorry for Stirling Albion who seem to have missed out on our annual visit. The games against Dumbarton, Ayr United and Morton are still there, but no trip to Forthbank. Instead, it's sunny Bayview in Methil - and after nearly two months without football it'll probably feel like the San Siro to some folk.

What sort of side we put out will depend on who the trialists are. We know one is Damon Gray, who used to be with Hibs, and he'll probably be given at least 45 minutes to prove himself - although that may have to wait for Thursday's trip to Dumbarton. Rumours suggest the other trialists could be Momo Sylla (please God, no), defender Izzy Iriekpen and a couple of Trinidad and Tobago internationalists. Or they could be a completely different couple of players. Whatever, the positions of the trialists will probably determine who plays tomorrow night.

John Potter and Lee Mair will be in the heart of the defence as we have no one else - unless a centre half is on trial. It'll probably be Jack Ross and Mo Camara either side of them and you can take your pick from a large cast for the players in midfield and up front. New signings Michael Higdon and Paul Gallacher (I've already mentioned Mair) must be in line for a run out at some stage, along with long term crocks Steven Robb, Tom Brighton (remember him?) and Craig Dargo.

East Fife knocked us out of the League Cup a few years ago when they were still in the third division, although as they're a lower league side it would have been more of a surprise if they hadn't won. They've got some handy players in their team like Paul McManus and Scott Thomson, while manager Stevie Crawford could still be a handful if he's still registered as a player. They seem to have a lot of money behind them these days and it would not be a surprise to see them challenge for the title - especially as Ayr United and Raith Rovers have been replaced by weaker sides in the shape of Clyde and Airdrie United.

Mirren Mad is abandoning it's prediction system this year, but it wouldn't have bothered for this game anyway. It's a friendly, the result doesn't matter. The important thing is sorting out the fitness and seeing if these trialists are any good.