Kevin Harper admits he is gutted that he won’t be in the dugout against his old club Dunfermline – but is confident his Albion Rovers players can do themselves proud.
The Cliftonhill gaffer will serve the second game of his suspension against the Pars, having been in the stands for the Betfred Cup opener against East Kilbride.
The former East End Park winger spent two years playing alongside Dunfermline manager Stevie Crawford, and conceded he was disappointed to make his return to his former stomping ground in the stand rather than on the sidelines.
Despite not being able to clash with old pal Crawford, Harper has faith in his assistant Joe McLaughlin.
He told the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser: “These things happen, but I would obviously rather be on the touch line.
“I know the boys will listen to Joe and he has them well organised, which you could see from the game on Saturday [against East Kilbride].
“Stevie Crawford in my opinion has brought together a really good squad of young and exciting players.
“They got off to a good start against St Mirren and there is no pretending that it won’t be tough.
“They are coming from two divisions above us and will have aspirations to do well in the Championship.
“We haven’t had an easy pre-season, though. We have played teams from higher levels and have proved we can do well.
“We go in with a game plan of how we want to handle things, and ultimately win the game.
“We know how tough it will be but if we can leave knowing we have learned something that can help us it will be worth it.
“It will help the players understand what is required of them if they want to get to that level.”
He added: “We are looking to improve the fitness levels for the league, but we have a duty to the fans and the club to go out there and try to win the game.”
