Locke could be back in action

9 Sep 1997

DUNFERMLINE v HEARTS HEARTS' biggest fan, team captain Gary Locke, could return to the side for the first time this season for tonight's Coca-Cola Cup quarter-final against Dunfermline at East End Park, writes Ian Paul.

Locke, who had an achilles problem, has played a couple of reserve matches without any reaction and manager Jim Jefferies named him in the squad for a tie that will be a hard night's work for both teams.

''I haven't made up my mind whether he will play or not." said Jefferies.

''Gary is in the pool and it's good to have him back, but there is a lot of things I have to consider.

''East End Park is one of the most difficult places to go these days and we expect it to be a tight match.

We lost to them in the league recently, but you learn more in defeat than you do in victory and hopefully we've learned from that match.'' Dave McPherson is still missing through injury and Jefferies also has concerns about Italian midfield player Stefan Salvatori, and strikers Stephane Adam and John Robertson.

Jefferies has decided not to pursue his interest in foreign trialists Danny Muller and Dietmar Beiersdorfer, who had been training at the club.

Dunfermline striker Andy Smith, the leading striker in the tournament with five goals against Ayr and St Mirren, not surprisingly, likes the idea of repeating his goal against Hearts in the league game.

''I've had my best ever start to the season,'' he said, ''and I would like to continue my run, but I know Jim Jefferies will be out to avenge their defeat and the first 20 minutes will see a terrific battle to decide who is to come out on top." The Fifers have no injury worries, but must replace Colin Miller, who is on international duty with Canada.

Taken from the Herald