Chris Strain insists he will not hesitate to turn to a rookie this weekend to solve Kilwinning Rangers’ goalkeeping crisis.
The Buffs head into a crunch Scottish Junior Cup clash against Dundee Violet with first team keepers Adam Strain and David Markey on the crocked list.
Strain pulled a hamstring and injured his elbow in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against Pollok and Markey is struggling to recover from a knee knock picked up against Hurlford a fortnight ago.
Strain has ruled out making an emergency signing and will instead turn to Kilwinning’s youth ranks for cover.
Reserve keeper Chris Taylor looks set to be given the nod after being given a run-out in a friendly against Ashfield at Glasgow Green on Monday night.
And Strain insists he’ll have no fears about the youngster being pitched in to the heat of the battle at Buffs Park on Saturday.
He said: “It certainly looks like Adam’s going to be out for a couple of weeks and David’s still at the assessment stage with his knee, so he’s certainly not going to be ready in my opinion.
“We’ve got other young kids but it looks like Chris Taylor might come into the fold. That’s why we’re a club with a pathway.
“If we defend well and protect Chris we will be fine.”
Strain reckons the first round tie comes at the perfect time for his side after a hectic start to the season.
He said: “It’s a good one to get a wee break from the league.
“It lets us dust ourselves down and not feel sorry for ourselves after a defeat.
“You don’t get that opportunity in games like this because if you do then you are out the competition.”
Strain expects defender David Syme to be fit after the former Killie ace suffered a leg injury against Pollok.
Tommy Maitland and Garry Fleming got some extra minutes under their belt during the Ashfield friendly and will also come into contention.
