Stevie Crawford is well aware of the situation at Rugby Park – but he can’t take account of that for now as the Dunfermline boss is left pleased with loan signings from the likes of Celtic, Rangers and Hibs.
The East End Park side return to action this evening for the first time in almost seven months when they take on Dumbarton in League Cup action.
Originally scheduled to play three games in the first run of League Cup matches, that could be cut to two given the situation at Kilmarnock. The Rugby Park club had to forfeit their opening match in Group E against Falkirk due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
Similar could happen next week with the Pars due to make the trip to Killie but Crawford is fully focused on Dumbarton for now: “Yes, I am fully aware of what is happening at Kilmarnock but the reality is that they are facing something that as a football club, they will deal with.
“I spoke to the players last week when we heard about the outbreak of the virus at Kilmarnock. There is no point worrying about that at the moment because that would take our attention away from the Dumbarton game. We just want to get off to a positive start.
Eager to start well. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“It is not trying to be clever, a wise head once told me that you have to focus on the next game and try and win that. We got off to a great start last year against St Mirren and we have focused fully on picking a side that will hopefully win against Dumbarton.
“From that we will then focus on the Falkirk game. There will be other options, possibly a different style of play regarding who is up for selection for that game.”
Showing intent
Crawford moved early in the transfer window, bringing in a raft of talent from across the SPFL to boost his Dunfermline squad ahead of the new Championship season. Some names included the loan signings of Celtic Reserves captain Kerr McInroy, Rangers prospect Lewis Mayo and Hibs’ Fraser Murray.
McInroy arrives from Celtic. (Photo by Juergen Schwarz/Bongarts/Getty Images)
The Dunfermline boss was particularly pleased with this trio of signings: “I think what that boils down to the relationships you build with clubs.
“There coaching staff, the relationship at board level, the chairman being trusted with players that Celtic, Rangers and Hibs are willing to put to us.
“The important thing for us is that these boys that have came are fighting for the jersey as well. It needs to be competitive because if the players think they are coming here for guaranteed football, it’s not right for the players that are fully committed to Dunfermline.
“They are three great additions to the squad and they’ll help us.”