Manager's Fact of Life

Macca looks forward to trip to Maryhill

Jim McIntyre claims that no one will be coming through the transfer window until some space has been freed up. To a certain extent this has already started to happen. Bobby Ryan has signed a three deal with St Patricks Athletic at a reported cost of 15000 euros, Michael McGlinchey has returned to Celtic since he was carrying an injury that would have kept him out the two matches until the end of his loan deal. Phil McGuire has now become a permanent member of staff at Inverness Caley Thistle after signing a two and a half year deal today (Friday 11th January).

Jim has not got a specific number of departures in mind and he accepts as a "fact of life" that he has no fewer than 17 players out of contract at the end of this season:-

"Until we sort out our budget we have to wait to see where we are in terms of who we want to keep and who we are offering contracts to but at the moment it is too soon for that. I would imagine in the next couple of weeks we will sort out a budget but there is no set date for that."

Last year's cup victory over Partick Thistle, with two Stephen Simmons goals, is still fresh in the memory:-

"We played well but it will be a different proposition at Firhill. We know from the last game that we were fortunate to get the draw; Paul Gallacher had some great saves although we missed a penalty as well. It will be a hard game. They have some good experienced players and a good manager."

Darren Young and Tam McManus return to the squad for the cup tie. Danny Murphy is excluded from becoming cup tied and Stevie Crawford is out ill since he has not fully recovered from the virus he had before Christmas. Kevin Harper is still out but he is expected back training on Monday.

There is a SFL Reserve League Cup match against East Fife at Bayview on Tuesday night. Kevin Harper may get a run in that match when Macca intends to give himself some match practice.

Dunfermline U19s will play Partick Thistle U19s at St Anthony's School, Cardonald on Sunday, kick off 2.00pm.