First Division rivals set for cup test
Striker Scott Sally sits out the second game of his two-match ban when Airdrie host Raith in the only all First Division clash at this stage of the Scottish Cup.
Also missing for Jimmy Boyle's men are the injured David Lilley, Sean Lynch, Cameron McDonald and Ricki Lamie, however the Lanarkshire side head into the contest boosted by their late 4-3 win over Dumbarton last weekend.
Boyle said: ``It was important to win last week after losing 7-0 to Partick and the manner of the win has everyone excited for the Raith game.
``We are a bit short of defenders but we have been that way for a while so we will just have to get on with things.''
Raith have defender Eddie Malone banned for the tie.
The Kirkcaldy men are also without first-choice goalkeeper David McGurn, who was injured in last Saturday's 1-0 league success over Hamilton.
Ross Laidlaw will deputise for McGurn between the sticks, with Stark's Park boss Grant Murray looking forward to his first Scottish Cup tie as a boss.
Murray said: ``It may be a team from our league we are facing but playing in the Scottish Cup is always exciting.
``We had a good result last weekend and are looking to build on that but this will be a tough tie as Airdrie will be on a high after scoring twice late on to beat Dumbarton in their last game.''