DOUGIE IMRIE heads into this Scottish Cup Quarter-Final clash with very little in terms of extra options available as injuries once again deplete his side to the bare minimum.
That, coupled with the loss of form over the last week has seen back-to-back defeats inflicted for the first time since November last year after Dundee United and Inverness tasted victory at Cappielow in the last eight days.
Imrie now has the tough ask of trying to navigate past a rampant Hearts side - who are much fancied to take their place in the last four at Hampden next month.
Here is the Tele’s picks to face up against Lawrence Shankland and Co. tonight.
Goalkeeper: Ryan Mullen
He’s the only option available - but even half fit he was still on hand to keep Dundee United at bay on Tuesday night. His distribution and reflexes will be key in this one
Defence: Tyler French
Not everyone’s favourite - but his job is to defend and if up against Barry McKay or Alan Forrest, he’ll have the pace to match them.
Jack Baird
Not been at his best recently, but his reliability could stand him in good stead tonight if Ton have a chance of keeping Lawrence Shankland quiet
Kirk Broadfoot
It could be seen as brave to bring him in from the cold but his experience would be huge in this tie. O’Connor has been pretty rash in the last few games and this could see Imrie turn to Broadfoot.
Lewis Strapp
One of the first names on the team sheet in recent weeks. I’d thought about perhaps trying him higher up the park after winning the ball high up and his driving runs proving to be a good source of fruition. Alas, he’ll have to remain in the left back berth.
Midfield: Grant Gillespie
The club captain should slot right back into the engine room in the middle of the park. His deep lying playmaking could be Ton’s best avenue of attack if they’re to try and play their way through.
Alan Power
Power has been vital since November with his experience and very scarcely spoken about finesse putting him head and shoulders above anyone in the squad.
Jai Quitongo
He’s been working his way back up to full speed for much of the season - but this tie against Hearts could be Jai’s opportunity to fire himself back onto the big stage in the only way the man who dubs himself ‘Michael Myers’ knows way.
Robbie Crawford
A big performance is needed from Crawford with his energy and pressing in the final third. He’s combined with Robbie Muirhead at key times of the season, and it’ll be needed again if Ton are to take anything from the game.
Cameron Blues
Another dependable option for Imrie in his tenure. Blues offers legs and durability that could be needed if Ton are to take this one the distance.
Attack: Robbie Muirhead
14 goals in all competitions. Knows where the back of the net is and likes a worldie every now and again.
He’ll need possibly the biggest performance of his life though, if he’s to help Ton get through this one after a quiet fortnight.
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