AN INJURY-RAVAGED Greenock Wanderers squad will host old rivals Dumfries Saints at Fort Matilda tomorrow as they continue their quest to qualify out of the group stages in the Scottish Cup. The match kicks-off at the earlier than usual time of 1pm.

The locals have already defeated Dumfries twice this season in the league but both matches were hard fought affairs and nobody down Fort Matilda way expects anything other than another extremely tough challenge.

The early season 39-10 home victory counted as a league and cup double-header, which helped place the team in a strong position to get into the knockout stages of the tournament.

Only the top club will qualify, but the best-placed runners-up will also get through. If Wanderers can beat Dumfries and Whitecraigs in the return legs, then they have a good chance of securing that spot and joining Glasgow Hawks in the next round.

The locals produced a stirring performance at Old Anniesland last Friday night against Hawks, but their exertions came at a price with a number of injuries to key players.

The entire back row of Callum Robb, Graham Mooney and skipper Ally Abernethy will sit this one out as they are nursed back to full fitness by an overworked Wanderers physiotherapy team. The most serious damage was sustained by Robb, who aggravated a previous injury when a metal plate in his arm was knocked out of position.

Wanderers can be thankful that they have a strong squad with a successful reserve side full of talented and hungry players eager to be given a chance. The 2nd XV top their own league and the selectors are spoiled for choice.

Head coach Graham Finnie said: "The players coming in are all good quality and are there on merit so we have every confidence that they will perform well. Dumfries are a good side and have hit a run of form recently so nothing will be taken for granted despite our two previous results against them this season.

"We are looking forward to a series of home games in the run-up to Christmas after being on the road for the last three weeks." In terms of selection, Liam Campbell, Evan Middleton and Dave Paton will occupy the dark recesses of the front row and with the returning Jamie Mooney partnering Matt Gray in the boiler house, the front five has a distinctly strong and aggressive look to it.

With the non-availability of Wanderers' lauded regular back row trio, Murray McDonald, John Stewart and youngster Anton Ward get the nod. They are an exciting mix of youth and experience and will enjoy securing the spoils in the loose forward exchanges.

Andy McDougall and Callum Harrison will orchestrate proceedings at half-back and McDougall will look to continue his fine run of form after arguably posting his best performance in Wanderers colours last weekend. Half-back is a confidence-based position and with McDougall and Harrison riding on the crest of a wave just now, the locals are an attractive side to watch as they keep opposition defences guessing with their array of attacking options.

Kieren Smith is reinstated to his familiar centre berth, alongside Brendan McGroarty. With Abernethy missing tomorrow, McGroarty will don the captain's armband. The Wanderers' spearhead attack has enjoyed plenty of success against Dumfries this season and they will look to inflict more misery on the visitors defence tomorrow.

James Kemp, Michael Frizzell and Leigh Tyley complete the line-up in what is strong and potent looking back-line.

Dumfries have a strong and combative pack and with the heavy underfoot winter conditions now impacting tomorrow's fixture may not be one for the rugby purist. A forward battle of attrition looks likely but that is a contest Wanderers can win - and if the play is spread wide then captain for the day McGroarty and his back line are more than capable of securing the scores necessary to record another victory.

Wanderers' v Dumfries at Fort Matilda. Kick-Off 1pm. L Tyley, M Frizzell, K Smith, B McGroarty [C], J Kemp, C Harrison, A McDougall, L Campbell, E Middleton, D Paton, M Gray, J Mooney, M McDonald, A Ward, J Stewart. Replacements A Cooper, A Lyon, A Love, S Alexander, G Fletcher.

l Wanderers are sponsored by Texas Instruments.