Chris Strain has called on his experienced players to steer Kilwinning Rangers through an injury-hit period.
A lengthy crocked list has been made even worse after striker Ally McColm pulled his hamstring in training, ruling him out for the next three weeks.
Strain quipped that the Buffs treatment room is so busy, physio Davie McCallum will be due a bonus at the end of the month.
And after being forced to recall youngsters Finlay Anderson and Kyro Crawford from loan to boost a skeleton squad, he reckons the likes of established stars Jamie Barclay, David Syme and Ricky Hanvey have a big role to play over the next few weeks.
Strain, who watched his side beat Kilbirnie 2-0 on Friday night, said: “We’re going through a really difficult spell just now and the players are doing magnificently well to cope.
“We’re at the stage where we have to tip-toe through training because we can’t afford to pick up any more knocks.
“Davie McCallum has been working round the clock patching boys up. We’ll need to sort him out with some kind of bonus!
“It’s not been ideal in terms of preparing for games but we just have to get on with it.
“For us just now, it’s about picking up as many points as we possibly can so we don’t fall too far behind in the league.
“That’s where the experienced boys have a big part to play over the next few weeks.
“They’ve got to help the younger boys who are coming into the side at the moment.”
Buffs face Kirkintilloch Rob Roy away this weekend and Strain, who will welcome Calvin Kemp back from suspension, is expecting a tough test.
He said: “They are a young and enthusiastic side and we’ll need to match that energy.”
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