LINLITHGOW ROSE boss Brian Fairley admitted today he's facing a selection dilemma ahead of tonight's friendly with SPL new boys Hamilton Accies.
Linlithgow host a full-strength Hamilton side at Prestonfield this evening ahead of their first competitive game of the junior season against Bonnyrigg Rose this weekend. The home side have a series of niggling injuries going into the glamour game a
nd Fairley is having to weigh up playing some of his stars when not fully fit against the prospect that the scoreline could get "embarrassing" if he leaves them out.
It's a decision Fairley admitted he could well do without and one which he's likely to leave until the last minute. "It's obviously going to be a real test for us," said Fairley. "If I'm being honest I maybe wouldn't have planned this as our last pre-season game due to the number of wee niggles we've picked up but we'll just have to get on with it.
"We don't want tonight to turn embarrassing but equally we have to keep an eye on Saturday's game as that's the key one for us.
"They are going to be playing their full side and will have guys desperate to be involved in their first SPL game.
"They've had a fantastic pre-season and it's going to be really hard. On paper it's a really daunting task. But then these are the sort of games when players can raise their game and that's what I'll be looking for."
Lining up against Linlithgow will be Brian Carrigan who is currently on trial with Hamilton as he bids to win a move from the junior ranks to the Scottish top flight. The striker, a firm favourite with the Rose support after helping them to a historic Super League and Scottish Cup double, will find out after the clash whether he has done enough to win himself a deal with Accies.
And Fairley admitted it's an intriguing situation.
"We'll find out after the game what Hamilton are planning with Brian Carrigan and once we know that we'll be in a better situation to decide what we need to do for the new season."
