Irvine Vics manager Brian McLuckie insists he couldn’t care less about Friday night’s Marymass derby – and rival boss Brian McGinty isn’t that keen on it either.
The two managers this week revealed they plan to play weakened teams in the traditional showdown with both insisting their respective league campaigns must take priority.
McLuckie and Irvine Meadow counterpart McGinty have injury worries to contend with and they’re not prepared to risk losing any more players from already depleted squads.
McLuckie said: “I really don’t care about the Marymass derby to be honest with you.
“It’s a friendly as far as I’m concerned.
“We still play friendlies to win. But if there’s people who are injured or not 100 per cent and people that need fitness then they’ll get an opportunity.
“We don’t have a big squad. We’ve two or three injured so maybe other boys will get an opportunity.
“To me the next big game is Craigmark (Wednesday) and then the next league game after that.”
McGinty said he recognised the importance of the game to supporters but admitted his focus was entirely on league fixtures against Rossvale (Wednesday) and Kilbirnie on Saturday, August 31.
He said: “We started the season with a fully fit squad and three weeks down the line we’re struggling to fill a bench.
“The derby is a hindrance, there’s no doubt about that.
“We’ll try and get a few trialists in and patch people up – maybe bring in a couple of boys to have a look it.
“I know it’s a big game for the fans and we’ll want to win it but the reality is that after Rossvale (Wednesday) the focus is on Kilbirnie.”
Kick off at Victoria Park is 6.45pm.
