Raith Rovers defender Grant Murray is eagerly looking forward to what should be another memorable Fife derby on Saturday.
Rovers and rivals Dunfermline clash at Stark’s Park and a massive crowd is anticipated with the sides occupying the top two spots in the first division, albeit after just two games.
Veteran Murray, who scored a stunning volley against the Pars last August to open his Raith account, has been in plenty of fiery derby encounters throughout his career and is expecting another one in Kirkcaldy this weekend.
“We’re all looking forward to the game because we know from last season that it is a great atmosphere,” he said. “Even the games that we lost against them last year at home were great to play in.
“You always want to make your home ground a difficult place for teams to come and get a result it’s the same whether it’s Dunfermline or Stirling Albion you’re playing and that’s what we’ll be trying to do on Saturday.”
Murray is hoping his side start well again this weekend after Rovers raced out of the blocks in their first two league games, going on to win both comfortably.
“We’ve been starting games really well and it has caught teams off guard,” he said. “We’ve made it count by collecting six points out of six so far, but it’s still early days.”
Rovers should have a relatively full squad to choose from, with just long-term injury absentee Mark Campbell expected to miss out.
For the Pars, Steven Bell says he’s ready to play if manager Jim McIntyre needs him.
The midfielder is recovering from an achilles injury and told Courier Sport he is back in full training.
Bell admits the derby may have come a bit too soon for him to start the match, but feels he could still play a part.
“I don’t feel unfit, but I don’t know if I could go and play the full 90 minutes yet,” he said. “But if he (McIntyre) wants me to play, I’d do it.
“Maybe the Clyde game the following week is more realistic.”
Bell limped off in the Alba Challenge Cup tie against Arbroath nearly a month ago when he felt the achilles pulling and decided not to overdo it. In spite of his caution, the injury has turned out to be worse than he thought and he has had to have an injection to help things along.
He got the jag 11 days ago and insists he’s on the mend.
“I got it the Monday after the Falkirk game and everything’s going well, so far,” he added. “I did a bit of running with the physio on Monday and have been back in full training since Tuesday.
“Obviously I’d like to be involved at some point on Saturday and get a bit of time under my belt, but that’s up to the gaffer.”
The injury couldn’t have come at a better time for the former Dundee United, Queen of the South and Stirling Albion player, as he was suspended for the first two league games anyway.
McIntyre also has Bell’s fellow midfielder Alex Burke, who has been out with a calf injury, back in training.