It's A Long Journey To Worry About Your Lack Of Defence

Ross County manager Derek Adams has appealed against his eight-game touchline ban so will be able to guide his side from the dug out for today's Scottish Cup tie against Stirling Albion. The Dingwall side go into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Division One league leaders Dundee and have been boosted by the return of striker Andy Barrowman from Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Barrowman is added to a fully-fit County squad which also includes defender Alex Keddie. Adams watched their Second Division opponents in the last round against Albion Rovers and has pinpointed winger David O'Brien as the player to watch. He said: "Stirling are a useful side and O'Brien was excellent threatening on the left flank continuously".

Albion are struggling to have a defence available for the game. Andy Graham and recent loan signing Brian Allison were both injured in midweek and are rated as extremely doubtful to make today's game. Dundee boss Jocky Scott refused permission for on-loan Craig McKeown to play which left manager Allan Moore facing a sleepless night. Speaking on Friday, Moore said: "We are setting off for Dingwall at eight in the morning and at the moment I am back at square one in terms of having a defence. I can only hope by the time we are leaving one of the guys has recovered because at the moment I do not know who will face Ross County. It is not ideal as they are a right good side."