COWDENBEATH are set to be missing several key players through injury as they prepare to open their Scottish Gas Scottish Cup campaign on Saturday.

The first round of the competition takes place this weekend and the Blue Brazil host West of Scotland First Division outfit, Rutherglen Glencairn, at Central Park.

However, Dougie Hill has selection issues to contend with ahead of the tie against a side that are second top of their league.

Already without skipper, Robbie McNab, and the MacPherson brothers, Greg and Euan, the Blues saw experienced midfielder, Danny Swanson, forced off in the early stages of Saturday's Lowland League loss at Broxburn Athletic with a groin strain.

READ MORE: Blues flattened by Broxburn goal rush

He is certain to be missing this weekend and, with fellow midfielder, Aiden McLaughlin, also not yet ready to return, it leaves them short-handed in the middle of the park.

Despite the restraints on his choices for the match, Hill remains confident he can field a team that can progress to the second round, and told Times Sport: "Whilst our injury problems have got worse over the past two weeks, I believe we can still field a team to get through this tie.

"Losing midfield players like Danny Swanson and Robbie McNab leaves a bit of a gap to fill but I feel we can still put out a very competitive side."

Veteran player / coach, Gary Fusco, appeared as a substitute for the last half hour against Broxburn, and could start against Rutherglen, with Hill citing his ability to "still make an impact on a game".

He continued: "We have had Rutherglen watched a few times and they are a hard-working team with some very useful players but our youngsters have shown in many times this season that they can tackle these sort of games, but they will need a few experienced players to help them in this one and Gary showed at Broxburn that he can still make an impact on a game.

"I also may start the game to add a bit of experience at the back and help our good young midfield players such as Matty McDonald, Shay Burke, and Olly Whyte.

"Matty made his return at Broxburn after many weeks out with a shoulder injury and played well.

"It was a strange sort of game for we started well and missed a couple of good chances, but then had a horrible 25 minute spell either side of half-time when we conceded a couple of very bad goals which gave them the edge.

"It was something we have to avoid doing in what is a very important game for the club. If we can win this one then we could get a lucrative tie later in the competition, so it is a big game for us."