Replacing Rory McAllister was one of the biggest close-season issues for Brechin City manager Jim Weir.
It may not prove the headache many would have thought, however, as all of his strikers have shown up well in pre-season friendlies. They rounded off their warm-up programme with a glut of goals against junior outfit Pollok in midweek and Weir admitted he is spoiled for choice as far as his front line is concerned for the Ramsdens Cup clash with Falkirk at Glebe Park today.
“I’ve been really happy with the forwards,” he said. “Last year a lot of the time we were relying upon Rory but hopefully it will be different this year. I’ve got a lot to think about before I decide on my partnership up front.”
Craig Nelson is suspended this afternoon so David Scott will be between the posts, while Craig Molloy is struggling with a groin strain. Jim Lister will undergo his hernia operation on August 8 and may be used as a substitute until then.
Weir made a host of summer signings and is excited about seeing his new-look team in action for the first time against the Bairns.
He said, “We had Falkirk watched against Hibs and they played really well. Playing a strong first division side will be a good test for us. We want to win every game we play in so hopefully we can win through to the next round.”
Falkirk have been affected badly by cash cuts during the summer but they have great faith in the youth players coming through and the youngsters will get their chance to shine against Brechin.
Assistant manager Lee Bullen said, “We have lost over 20 players during the close season and that is a huge turnaround. We now have less than 10 senior players at the club so our home-grown young players have the chance to become first team regulars.
“Brechin will be tough opponents and they have some very experienced players but we have performed well in pre-season and need to take that into competitive games.”
The Bairns could be without Connor Kelly and Stewart Murdoch through injury.