Raith Rovers vs Falkirk preview - Rovers at full strength

Posted Saturday, August 06, 2011 by PA

Raith have a clean bill of health for the first time this season as they open their league campaign at home to Falkirk.

Defender Dougie Hill and winger Scott McBride are in line for their first appearances of 2011/12 and captain Iain Davidson is able to return to the Kirkcaldy midfield after a knee injury.

Manager John McGlynn is anticipating a cracking contest, saying: "Games between ourselves and Falkirk are usually great affairs.

"It is the side that finished second last season against the team that finished third, and while players have moved away from both sides it should still be an exciting game.

"We didn`t carry much luck against them last season so we are due a break this time out."

Falkirk will be without suspended midfielder Mark Millar for the clash.

Millar is starting a two-game ban. Defender Stephen Kingsley and midfielder Blair Alston should play despite carrying knocks as the new-look Bairns look to build on successive cup wins against lower league opposition.

Assistant manager Lee Bullen said: "Our young lads have done really well to go to Brechin and Albion Rovers and win through.

"They will take a boost from those results, as will the fans, but we know this game will be a real tough test of our team.

"Raith still have a core of good experienced players and were a good side last season, so this will be a very interesting encounter."