Forfar boss Dick Campbell believes club captain Gavin Swankie will be doubly determined to do well in tonight’s Championship play-off final first leg against Alloa.
That’s because the Loons top scorer this season will be forced to sit out the second leg at the Indodrill Stadium on Sunday through suspension.
His absence will be a big blow for the Angus side but Campbell revealed a stat that gives him grounds for confidence against Danny Lennon’s side who went through to the final 2-1 on aggregate even although they lost at home at the weekend to Brechin in the semi-final.
Campbell said: “We look forward to facing Alloa although they will start as firm favourites.
“They have won against Dumbarton and Cowdenbeath recently and are capable of beating anyone on their day.
“However, we will definitely have a chance against them and I also took some encouragement from the fact that Brechin beat them on Saturday.
“Forfar is absolutely buzzing at the moment and hopefully there should be another big crowd inside Station Park. The fans have been magnificent for us and can make a difference again against Alloa.
“Dale Hilson is fit and we also have Stuart Malcolm available again after his suspension so I have a full squad to choose from.
“Gavin Swankie though is banned for the second leg which is a blow as he is our club captain and on his day, he is the best player in this league by a country mile.
“However, Gavin has missed 12 games in four years and we have won every one, so hopefully that run will continue.
“I am sure he will be doubly determined to do well in the first leg against Alloa.”
Wasps boss Lennon is looking for his men to show the form that established a two-goal lead in the first leg of their semi-final against Brechin and not play the way they did in the second leg at the weekend.
Lennon said: “The boys have been terrific since I came in with big performances in big games against Dumbarton, Cowdenbeath and the first meeting with Brechin. Their performances have been full of drive, energy and commitment however on Saturday we were pretty flat for some reason.
“I will put it down to being a one-off as the players have shown they can handle big occasions.
“Dick has done a great job at Forfar this season and they will see this game as a second bite at the cherry in terms of promotion.
“But I am sure that if we play like we have in the games before Saturday we will give a good account of ourselves.”
Jason Marr and Stephen Simmons remain out injured with Michael Doyle set to join them after picking up a hamstring problem early in Saturday’s game.