Brechin boss Darren Dods is backing new loan signing Robbie Buchanan to take everything in his stride when he makes his debut for City.
Permission was granted by his parent club Hearts to enable Buchanan to play in the competition after the 20-year-old striker joined the Angus men from Tynecastle on an emergency deal just over a week ago.
Now he is poised to face Ayr United today if Glebe Park survives a morning inspection.
The pitch has been covered and it is a case of fingers-crossed that the William Hill third round tie goes ahead.
Buchanan will certainly be desperate to play, having had his introduction to the City supporters delayed by the postponement of last weekend’s League One home clash with Albion Rovers.
Dods said: “Robbie has worked very well in training this week and looked really sharp.
“He is a good age at 20 and has played plenty of football, having been out on loan from Hearts to Cowdenbeath.
“Robbie did well when he played against us for Cowden and we know what we are getting from him.
“He gives us a good option up front at a time when we have a few injuries.”
You can say that again about the injuries, with Andy Jackson, Chris O’Neil, Alan Trouten and Finn Graham all sidelined.
Captain Paul McLean will also miss out through suspension.
As if that weren’t enough, Dunfermline have called back Lewis Spence from his loan spell at the Glebe.
There is some good news for City, though, with Darren McCormack fit again.
Despite all the selection trouble, Dods is looking forward to the visit of the Honest Men.
“Ayr are a right good side but we feel we have a good chance in this one,” he said.
“We will need to keep an eye on the likes of Gary Harkins, who showed once again what he can do with a goal against Raith Rovers in midweek.
“Our players will be ready for the challenge and now we must hope that the pitch beats the frost.”
Brechin have made an appeal to fans to head to the ground for 8am to help lift the pitch covers.
