Cockburn aims for Scottish Cup comeback

David Knox • Published 8 Sep 2009 15:39 0 Comments

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CUP dreamers Selkirk are unlikely to risk their crocked defenders over the next fortnight.

Centre half pairing Jason Cockburn and Euan Pritchard are central to manager Paul Brownlee's plans to edge past Preston in the first round of the Scottish Cup.

But both missed last weekend through injury and it's unlikely they play in this Saturday's South Regional Cup tie at Civil Service Strollers.

Selkirk chairman Jim Moody told the Border Telegraph: "It is only a couple of weeks until the first round of the Scottish Cup and we need everybody fit. It's the biggest game of the season for us and one we all want to win.

"Jason isn't far off being fit enough to play but I'm not sure Paul will take a chance with him.

"It would be good to win at Civil Service as the draw for the next round isn't too bad and there's a chance we could get through a few rounds."

Pritchard, who had stitches removed from a head wound yesterday, is likely to miss this week's game but may return for league action next Saturday at Lothian Thistle.

Alan Smith and Grant Gass, who both took knocks during Sunday's defeat at Edinburgh University, are expected to have made a full recovery ahead of the Civil Service trip.

Gala Fairydean will also sweat over the fitness of Paul McKay, Gareth Wood and Scott Mackenzie ahead of their Scottish Cup with Civil Service Strollers match at the end of the month.

And boss Fraser Lothian hopes to make an addition or two to his squad prior to the first round match on September 26.

The Dean head for Whitehill Welfare on Saturday in their South Regional Cup tie. Lothian said: "We have a few injury worries ahead of this week's game but we should still have a god enough squad to go up there and enjoy the game. There's no league pressure on our shoulders this weekend.

"The Scottish Cup is undoubtedly our priority in the next few weeks and I'm hoping to bring in a player or two ahead of the game.

"I'm sure Gareth and Scott will be ready for the Scottish but Paul is unlikely to be back."

Lothian will also be without the suspended Liam Hardie for this week's match at Rosewell.

Both South Challenge Cup ties kick off at 2.30pm.

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