It is touch and go whether Brechin frontman Charlie King will be fit to play in tonight’s first leg of their first division play-off final.
City travel to Cowdenbeath for the first game of a double-header which will decide which side steps up to the second tier of Scottish football.
Glebe Park veteran King had to come off with a hamstring injury when City recorded a stunning away win in their semi-final second leg against Airdrie United and manager Jim Duffy confirmed the player was doubtful.
“Charlie still has a tight hamstring,” said Duffy.
“The problem is you can’t really test how well it might stand up or otherwise until you risk it. A hamstring is that kind of injury.
“Another 24 hours could make all the difference but I would say at this moment that he is very doubtful.”
King’s absence would be a huge blow for City.
His pairing with Rory McAllister up front has proved highly successful and his influence is felt whenever he plays.
King has notched 10 goals this season and Duffy said, “He is one of my top scorers. He is a very important member of the team and you always want your best players around.
“It could be a bit of a blow if he’s not fit.”
Duffy rates Cowdenbeath one of the best sides in the second division but reckons his men can be as good on their day.
He said, “You don’t know how a game is going to go until the whistle blows.
“But you have to go into every game with confidence. If not you shouldn’t be in sport.
“We don’t have a big squad but we played well both at home and away against Airdrie. They were the favourites and we knocked them out, beating them home and away.
“Cowdenbeath is the best XI in the division in my opinion.
“They’ve had a remarkable run over two full seasons, moving up last year and being on the brink of doing so again.
“They have shown great consistency and commitment.
“Having said all that I think if we play to our full potential we can get a result against them. But we’ve got to play to our best, there’s no doubt about that.”
Transport to Cowdenbeath will leave from St Ninians Square in Brechin at 5.30pm. To book a seat on the bus contact Jim Craig on 01356 623151.
The game is also being televised on BBC Alba and BBC iPlayer.