Manager on Friday

12/11/10: "It's important that we get back to winning ways so that's what we will be trying to do. Rovers have had a great start and they are top of the league on merit so that sets it up for a great game,

Jim McIntyre is looking forward to the derby day clash with the Rovers, possibly as much as his players and the fans:-

"I think this is one game in the calendar, though we have a couple of other derbies this year, that the players really look forward to, especially at home.  There will be a great crowd there, fantastic atmosphere and Rovers will play their part in that.

"It's important that we get back to winning ways so that's what we will be trying to do.  Rovers have had a great start and they are top of the league on merit so that sets it up for a great game, the two teams in Fife being in first and second place."

Acknowledging his team's100% home record and Raith not being beat away from home in this league season Macca said:

"Something has got to give.. so we'll see.  They have conceded the least amount of goals in the league and I think we have scored the most so it just shows that there are two teams doing the right thing well and that should make it interesting"

Either side will be missing a key player in midfield - Steven Bell for the Pars and Stephen Simmons for John McGlynn's side:-

"Both players are big players for their teams but I'm sure John will be saying the same as myself that it is an opportunity for someone to come in and stake their claim.  These things are thrown up in football and it's up to the players that are picked to replace them to perform.

Asked if Steven's injury gave Macca a big problem:-

"I think the timing of it, Steven is a big loss regardless, but we have also got Alex Burke and Nick Phinn out at the minute so of course.  It places a bit of strain on the centre of the park because we have not really got any natural replacement there other than young Ryan (Thomson).  Obviously there is a bit of thought having to be done there this week and hopefully we get that right.

Steven Bell went through an operation this week following his injury at Cappielow Park last Saturday and according to his boss:

"His operation went fantastic, the surgeon was really pleased with how it went. Its now a long process of rehab."

Jim McIntyre considers the crowd to be a big player tomorrow

"They have never let us down in any of the derbies.They have been right behind us and we will need them tomorrow.  It's so important especially at home because we will have the majority of fans there.  We want them to be making that atmosphere, it's something that really lifts the players.  As a player you want to play in the bigger games, the derbies,or if you're drawn against bigger cup sides.  Those are the games you want to play in, you want to test yourself and our players are no different."