Shotts boss John McKeown says a hectic start to the West of Scotland League means he’s going to need his entire squad.
Injuries are already racking up, but Covid outbreaks and work commitments are also likely to deprive him of his stars.
He said: “The boys haven’t played in so long so we’re just getting hit by injuries left right and centre.
“We gave a debut to Martin Shiels there on Saturday and he ended up getting a thigh strain, we’ve had a couple missing through various Covid outbreaks, so it has been difficult.
“But we’ve stood up to all of those and managed to have a decent pre-season.
“The league schedule is unbelievable, Saturday-Wednesday right through to the end of August, and there are some fairly long trips in there.
“We’ve drawn Nairn St Ninian in the Scottish, so we’re going to need every member of our squad, that’s for sure.
“It’s a concern about injuries, we could have guys missing through Covid – though hopefully not any more – and guys are going to be struggling to get their shifts covered, so we need a big squad.
“That’s why these young guys are getting as much opportunity as they are.”
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