12.30pm

Speaking in today's local press, Eric Black looked ahead to Saturday's trip to Ibrox and revealed he has a team selection problem, with four in-form strikers vying for just two places!  In the last few games Black has opted for a strike pairing of Stuart Elliott and Dirk Lehmann, with James McFadden playing just in behind, although he is unlikely to go with such an attacking formation for the Rangers game.  And with new signing David Ferrere bagging a hat-trick on his debut last week, Eric Black now has a major selection headache, although he admits it is a nice problem to have:
"At this moment I don't have any ideas about what formation or who will play against Rangers, but it's certainly good to have competition for places.  I'm looking to create competition for places, not just upfront, but across the team and when you look at any good side across the world they have plenty of players challenging for a position.  I have been pleased with the response from the players in recent weeks as they have all responded well and that can only be down to the competition for places. All we have to do is keep trying to make the squad better and stronger and try to keep the players on their toes."

Eric was delighted with last week's perfomance against Hibs, and added:
"Hibs didn't cause us many problems during the 90 minutes, but I felt we were really solid at the back with Eric Deloumeaux and Karl Ready particularly outstanding .  Special mention must also go to our captain Scott Leitch who was forced to play most of the first-half with his eye completely shut after being hit with the ball, but that is the type of spirit in the dressing room at the moment.  Everyone wants to play and be a part of the team and it's all credit to the players for taking their chance."

However, Eric played down our chances of making the top six:
"What the players have achieved so far is probably more than anyone expected, but we have not set ourselves any targets.  Everyone is looking forward to the game and it's a great chance for the younger players to go out and show what they can do on the big stage."

On the injury front, Yann Soloy is still struggling with an achilles injury, while Stephen Pearson has a thigh strain and Martyn Corrigan has a hamstring problem.  Loan signing Gavin Strachan could be included on the bench after missing out against Hibs.

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Derek Adams has decided to stay at Fir Park.  Are you pleased with his decision?

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