Forfar boss Dick Campbell thought he had seen it all during his long managerial career but he was stunned on Saturday when three of his players had to come off injured before half-time against Stenhousemuir.
Skipper Gavin Swankie, Thomas O’Brien and Mark Baxter all had to be replaced before the break and the trio will sit out tonight’s League Cup tie at Station Park against Premiership pace-setters Hearts.
However, the manager insists that opportunity knocks for other players in his squad and they will take the game to the Jambos tonight.
Campbell said: “In all the years I have been managing, I have never had that happen before with three players having to come off injured before half-time.
“Swankie has hurt his hamstring, O’Brien went over his ankle while Baxter has strained his groin.
“Rab Douglas also has a hamstring problem and couldn’t take goal-kicks but he had treatment on Sunday and will be available to play against Hearts.
“Our new loan signing from Hibs Lewis Allan did really well against Stenny.
“I wasn’t going to start him but I changed my mind and I thought he might last 60 minutes but he played the entire 90.
“Kerr Hay also impressed again and took his goal really well.
“I was really pleased to pick up another win against a Stenny side that had beaten Raith Rovers earlier in the week.
“It is still early days but overall, I am delighted with the way we have started the league campaign.
“We now face a really difficult game against a Hearts side that are flying high at the top of the Premiership.
“We will have a few missing but it is a great opportunity for others to come in like Michael Travis and Michael Dunlop.
“I am sure that my players will give a good account of themselves, especially with this being a home tie.”
Fans should note that only the stand is all-ticket at tonight’s match and tickets for the home support will be available today from the office at Station Park between 10am and noon and from 2pm to 4pm.
Admission to the ground is by cash at the turnstile with normal league admission charges of £12 adults, £6 concessions being levied.
Strict segregation will be enforced with Forfar fans entering the ground via the main turnstile block in Carseview Road.