Brechin City v Airdrieonians preview
5th December 2014
David Proctor will watch with frustration as Airdrie take on Brechin, as the defender faces a new injury nightmare.
Proctor has been out of action since the sides last met in October, and scans have revealed underlying problems which will see him sidelined for several months.
Shortly after scoring the second goal in a 4-0 win for the Diamonds, Proctor left the field with a hamstring pull, but it proved to be a symptom of a back injury.
"Mick and the rest of the medical team were concerned when my hamstring kept playing up and my back had been stiff for a while. So they sent me for an MRI scan which showed I had a stress fracture in my lower back which was causing my hamstring problem.
"It was a bit of a shock to hear the news and it's a difficult injury to put a timescale on regarding when I'll be back. I've basically been told to rest completely for 3-4 months and then take it from there".
Proctor's absence is another headache for Airdrie manager Gary Bollan, who has struggled to field a settled side due to injury and illness.
And it's a source of frustration for ex-Hibs stopper Proctor, who doesn't enjoy the lack of involvement.
"It's been extremely frustrating watching from the sidelines, particularly during the Scottish Cup replay against Morton when we had a bit of a defensive crisis due to Luca being called up for international duty and Ben being ineligible to play.
"If the manager can get a settled team on the pitch then I think we can go on a run and climb up the league".
The 4-0 victory over Ray McKinnon's Brechin in October was the best performance of the season so far, and a repeat would be welcome at Glebe Park as the Diamonds look to end a three-match losing streak.
Proctor has mixed emotions remembering the match ahead of Saturday's trip to Angus.
"The first game against Brechin was the most enjoyable game I've played in all season- although it was a bittersweet game for me as I scored my first goal of the season before coming off with my hamstring injury.
"The boys seemed to play with a bit of freedom that day and were not afraid to go and express themselves. Hopefully we can go up there and take the game to Brechin".
Ben Richards-Everton returns to Saturday's squad following a one-match suspension, while team captain Paddy Boyle is back in contention after missing the match at Stranraer with a groin strain.
The referee is Des Roache.