Team News
Clyde received a massive boost today with the news that the squad has been given the all-clear. Jimmy Gibson, who was the biggest doubt due to a neck injury trained today and is ready to play. Gary Arbuckle has also responded well to treatment and with Eddie Malone back from suspension it has put Billy Reid in the difficult position of wondering who to leave out.
In typical Scottish fashion Billy was concerned, “Hopefully having everyone fit for the first time this season is not a bad omen! Superstition aside we are all looking forward to the trip. With Falkirk not playing it gives us a chance to go top by ourselves and we want to take that opportunity. St Mirren have a well balanced team with obviously my good friend Andy Millen a stalwart in the side. The Saints are equipped to go far and we will have to be at the top of our form to have any chance of getting the points but we will go into the match with confidence”.
Clyde in fact are the last team to have beaten St Mirren at Love Street in the league. That match was a five goal thriller with Ian Harty, Andy Smith and Mark McLaughlin getting the goals, two of those players have of course moved on but Clyde are still carrying a goal threat in the shape of Ian Harty. Billy
Billy remains conscious of the cut throat nature of this division. “Queen of the South are an example to us. They were riding high but with three consecutive defeats are now only 5 points off second bottom. We can’t take anything for granted and need to keep this run going to ensure our survival in the league. A couple of injuries to our experienced players like John Potter or Darren Sheridan would be fatal to our chances”.
Despite the plaudits it appears that the Clyde manager’s feet will remain firmly planted in the ground.
St Mirren are also close to full strength but Mixu Paatelainen will miss out. In form striker Alan Russell is in contention to start after scoring in the Saints 2-2 draw against Hamilton last week and also for the Buddies’ reserves in midweek. So the scene is set for a cracking game.
With the Bell’s Cup final on Sunday between Falkirk and Ross County there is a shortened league card tomorrow. Queen of the South play host to Airdrie and the only other fixture is St Johnstone taking on Hamilton in Perth.