Knee injury sidelines Morrow

Forward Sam Morrow damaged his knee ligaments during the friendly against Forres Mechanics and he is now expected to be out for another two weeks.

The former Hibernian and Livingston player joins Darren McCormack and Garry Wood on the sidelines ahead of Elgin City’s visit to Victoria Park tomorrow for a first round tie in the North/East section of the Ramsdens Cup.

For manager Derek Adams, the game against the Third Division team poses a stern early test for his County side as they begin the defence of the trophy they won under its former guise — the Alba Challenge Cup — earlier this year when overcoming Queen of the South in the final.

“I watched Elgin in the friendly matches they had against Rothes and Forres,” he said.

“They looked very good on both occasions and I would expect them to be pushing for promotion to the Second Division this season.

“They also have a number of ex-County players in their ranks, so that will make it difficult for us as well.

“The acquisitions Elgin have made during the close season, allied to the players they already have at the club, means they will be pushing at the top of their league and this will be a real test for us.

“However, it’s a game we’re looking forward too. We’ve had five weeks of pre-season and there’s been a lot of hard work for the players to get through, but they’ve done that and we’re ready.”

County’s cup form under Adams has been impressive, but he is now looking for their achievements in knockout competitions to be matched by improved form in the league.

“It’s important that we do well in cup competitions, as well as the league,” he said. “However, we just have to concentrate on Saturday and do our best to make sure that we get off to the best start possible.”