AFTER a two-month absence from Ravenscraig, Greenock now have a run of three home matches, starting with tomorrow’s game against Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.

A combination of away fixtures and postponed matches has seen them absent from their home ground since the goal-less draw with Kilsyth Rangers in early December.

After last week’s disappointing exit from the West of Scotland Cup at Dunipace, tomorrow’s game is another cup tie, this time in the second round of the Central League Cup.

The competition involves the sides in the two divisions of the Central League, plus the former Central League teams now competing at a higher level in the Super Leagues.

Rob Roy come into the latter category, with the Kirkintilloch men having been in the Super Premier League for the past few seasons.

They currently sit in fifth position, but such is the competitiveness of that league that it will likely need a few more wins before they can be sure of being clear of the relegation dogfight at the bottom end.

Meanwhile, Greenock are still searching for that elusive victory to regain their confidence and kick-start their season.

Stevie Mooney’s men haven’t won over 90 minutes in their last 11 games, their only victory coming from a penalty shoot-out against Maryhill in the West of Scotland Cup back in October.

And the manager knows they will have to go some to get the better of their higher-ranked opponents tomorrow.

He said: “No doubt we will be the underdogs because of Rob Roy’s Premier League status.

“They have some experienced guys at the back, and a quality striker in Willie Sawyers. But some of their midfield players are quite young, so it is a good balance and they will be quality opposition.” The Rabs are also likely to have the formidable presence of Jon Connolly in goal.

Man-of-many-clubs Connolly has left Kilwinning Rangers and is back at Adamslie for a second spell.

Greenock’s line-up tomorrow might also see a few changes.

Mooney has tended to give some so-called ‘fringe players’ a run-out in the cup ties. But his options might be limited, given the tight numbers of the squad following a few recent departures.

Ryan Begley comes back into the reckoning. The big defender has finally served a two-match ban, which actually took six weeks to complete due to all the postponements.

And Mark Downie, who missed the Dunipace game through flu, has recovered.

The match is also likely to see the first home appearance in Greenock colours of recent signing Kevin McKay, though the ex-Port Glasgow player is, of course, no stranger to Ravenscraig.

Mooney said: “It is a delicate balancing act when it comes to picking the team for matches like this.

“For some players, it is about getting game time, while for others it will be a case of keeping up their match fitness.

“But this is a cup competition we want to do well in. It shouldn’t be forgotten that Greenock got to the final of it just after I came to the club, and I actually came on as a sub in our narrow 2-1 defeat to Maryhill at Pollok’s ground.” Kick-off at Ravenscraig is at 1.45pm, with the match going straight to penalties if level after 90 minutes.

Greenock Juniors are sponsored by SAVEHEAT, and the Lighthouse Bar.