Raith Rovers boss Grant Murray has confirmed that the clash with Falkirk will come too soon for injured defender Ross Perry but has allayed any fitness fears over Christian Nade.
Perry, 24, suffered a hamstring strain in Rovers’ recent 3-1 win over Cowdenbeath at Stark’s Park – remarkably becoming their third centre-half to be sidelined since the start of the season.
And while the former Rangers stopper’s recovery is coming along well, he will not be in contention for a top-team return this weekend.
Perry’s absence – adding to an injury-list which also includes fellow defenders Dougie Hill and Craig Barr – is likely to see player/first team coach Laurie Ellis keep his place in the back four.
And Murray insists he has no qualms about relying on the veteran defender – after revealing Ellis climbed from his sick bed to help an virus-hit Rovers to an impressive 1-0 win against Livingston last week.
Murray explained: “Ross [Perry] will miss out this weekend so I am possibly looking at fielding the same back four.
“It was a slight hamstring injury picked up in the Cowdenbeath game and this match has just come a wee bit too early for Ross.
“But Laurie [Ellis] had to come on early against Cowdenbeath then came into the team against Livingston – and he has slotted in superbly.
“He had a sickness virus on the Friday so we weren’t even sure whether he would be available, so in that respect the performance was magnificent.
“We actually had a few players struggling with the virus, which has cleared up thankfully, which makes the win all the more impressive.”
Meanwhile, Murray is ready to unleash Christian Nade against the Bairns after dismissing fears that the Frenchman could be facing another spell on the sidelines.
The bustling striker only returned from a three week absence in last Saturday’s triumph in West Lothian, but appeared to limp off after 89 minutes to be replaced by Ross Callachan.
However, Murray says Nade is fit and ready to lead the line against Peter Houston’s men – knowing a win would see Rovers leapfrog Rangers into second place in the Championship, at least until Monday evening.
He added: “It was Christian’s first game for a few weeks against Livingston and he put in a very good, hard-working performance.
“It was right to take him off when we did, after such a good display, and he will be ok for Saturday.”