Paul Hegarty has thrown the gauntlet down to Montrose’s young players.
The Links Park boss believes the experienced men in his squad have done their bit this season, and now it’s time for their more youthful team-mates to raise their game.
Hegarty was “embarrassed, annoyed and ashamed” at his team’s 6-1 defeat to Queen’s Park in midweek.
And he is looking for a response against East Stirlingshire this afternoon.
“I apologise to the Montrose supporters because that wasn’t acceptable,” Hegarty said.
“I want to see a reaction tomorrow.
“Yes, we’ve got injuries just now but a result like that shouldn’t happen.
“The senior players have taken us to 18 points and now I’m looking for the younger players to step up to the plate.
“They know who they are.”
Hegarty admitted that this could be a crossroads stage of the campaign for Montrose.
He said: “You could throw a blanket over most of the teams in this league.
“We’re only seven points off the top of the table, but only five points above the bottom. There’s very little leeway.
“As I’ve said in previous weeks, this game against East Stirlingshire will be about who wants the win the most.”
Ryan Kenneth has had a chest infection but should be in the squad. Adam McWilliam is also available but Scott Johnston picked up a knock and is a doubt.