Dons Forced To Play Weakened Team

DONS manager Craig Brown insists there is no chance of him playing a weakened team against Rangers - because he has so few first-team options left.

Brown is likely to be without seven first-team players for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash at Pittodrie against a Rangers team vying for the title with Celtic. But the former Scotland manager revealed that all seven would also struggle to make Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final against the Parkhead club.

So Brown will refute any allegations that he will deliberately weaken his team, and he said: "No-one can accuse us of that. The lads didn't play on Saturday against Hibs and it's unlikely all if any will make it for Sunday. Sunday is still a difficulty for these guys."

Rory McArdle has joined Yoann Folly, Darren Mackie and Fraser Fyvie on the long-term injury list after dislocating his shoulder.

And Paul Hartley, Zander Diamond and David McNamee are also doubtful for the Hampden trip.

"Four are definitely out and we might not get a return from Hartley, Diamond and McNamee," added Brown. "But no-one can say they are in match-condition, they haven't played.

"If we were to use them it's because we're struggling for resources. A club like this with the resources we have can't cope with seven or eight injuries."

Source: PA

Source: PA