Published: Wednesday, 25th November, 2009 12:37pm

On-loan striker is set to miss cup tie

by Jamie MacDonald

ALLOA Athletic striker Iain Russell - although now fit again after a troublesome thigh injury - may not be permitted by his own club to participate in Saturday's Scottish Cup tie at Cowdenbeath.

The on-loan Morton hit-man, who has already shown great promise in his short spell with the Wasps, has - because of his injury - made only one start in an Alloa jersey.

Russell, who is full-time wih Morton, told Advertiser Sport, "Whether I will be playing for Alloa in the cup tie is undecided because it has still to be talked about by myself and the clubs.

"I would like to play at Cowdenbeath but if Morton were on a cup run when I am back with them, then I would like to be part of that run with perhaps the possibility of a draw against the Old Firm.

"But we will know later this week whether I will play on Saturday."

It now seems Wasps fans will not see much of Russell because he is due to return to Cappielow on 13 December.

Alloa manager Allan Maitland, however, is hoping to recall Mark Gilhaney to his side this weekend.

The ex-Dundee player has been out since picking up a hamstring injury at Peterhead four weeks ago but would have returned last weekend had the match at Arbroath gone ahead.

Maitland was running his eye over his players in Tuesday evening's friendly match at the Recs against Whitburn Juniors.

He will assess what he saw before deciding on his side for Central Park.

Wasps defender Marc McCafferty, who limped off in the game against Stenhousemuir, is expected to be ready for a return.

Meanwhile fans' favourite Dougie Wilson (Jinky) will be admitted to Stirling Royal Infirmary on 19 January to have a screw removed from the pin in his injured ankle.

Everyone is wishing the former Stirling Albion player a full recovery and quick return to the side.

Kevin Welsh, on loan from Hamilton, is having an operation on his groin but is due to return to the Accies on 13 December. His stay at Alloa has been shorter than expected.

Scott Agnew, has been playing well in his second spell with the Wasps but his loan spell from Ayr United finishes at the end of December.

Manager Maitland is hoping for a good result in Saturday's Scottish Cup tie at Cowdenbeath but will not be underestimating the Blue Brazil.

Danny Lennon's side has done very well in the league, winning eight games and drawing four, which keeps them in top position.

Alloa need to hit their best form if they are to win this one. Their disappointing show against Stenhousemuir was well below the standard expected.

In last season's Scottish Cup the Wasps did well to knock out Raith Rovers after a replay before putting up a good show in the next round against Premier League side Aberdeen when they lost 2-1 at home.

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