KILSYTH Rangers are set to buy into the notion that attack is the best form of defence after being floored by a double injury blow ahead of facing Bonnyrigg Rose in the Scottish Junior Cup.

Preparations for the Super First Division outfit’s delayed fourth-round clash at home to last season’s East Region champions got off to the worst possible start last Saturday when regular centre-back duo Chris Reid (shoulder) and Mark Tyrrell (ankle ligaments) had to be substituted in the 1-1 draw against Rutherglen Glencairn.

Word is that neither has any chance of being fit for the Cup tie so the likelihood is experienced former club skipper Paul Doyle and one time Pollok Juveniles prospect Michael McGee will be drafted in as defensive replacements.

That prospect does not alarm skilful ace Franny Kelly who along with Nikky Prentice on the opposite wing forms arguably the most dangerous flank pairing in Junior football and he is urging his team-mates to take the game to the Rose from the first whistle.

The 28-year-old, who had a spell on the books with Arthurlie and has also played with Linlithgow Rose and Camelon, said: "There’s no denying we are weakened by the loss of Chris and 'Spade' who have formed an excellent partnership; however Paul and Michael teamed up at the back earlier this season so this is nothing new for them.

“And the gaffer [Keith Hogg] hasn’t shown his hand yet in respect of how he wants us to shape up but I cannot see Bonnyrigg posing a scoring threat if we are camped in and around their penalty box.

“It will be tough but getting them in their first game after losing eight goals against Hibs last weekend could work in our favour as it would only be natural for one or two heads to go down if we could grab the opening goal.”

Experienced front man Ian Diack will also be posted missing for the home team on account of being cup-tied with his previous club Sauchie Juniors, but Kilsyth do not lack for firepower with Paul McBride and Scott Davidson ever willing to capitalise on the service coming in from Kelly and Prentice.

Hogg said: “We were considered outright underdogs even before Chris and Mark were injured so nothing has changed.

“The players are under no pressure whatsoever and I want them to go out and have a real go at this crack Bonnyrigg side who possess a lot of qualities but are by no means unbeatable if my players are on their game.”

Kilsyth’s near neighbours Rob Roy are likewise on Cup duty against strong East Region opponents with the Rabs hosting the visit of Musselburgh Athletic at their temporary Guys Meadow home.

Team boss Stewart Maxwell was down to just 13 available players for last weekend’s 2-1 defeat of Largs Thistle so he will be feeling delighted to have his selection hand strengthened by the return of Chris Mackie (suspension) and Scott Walker (family commitments) on top of the welcome news that midfield marksman Shaun Fraser has recovered from a heavy knock picked up at Barrfields.

On the downside, rugged defender Davie Barr is a definite non-starter with a slipped disc as is top scorer Willie Sawyers with the torn thigh muscle problem that has led to a lengthy spell on the sidelines and sparking rumours that he would not play again this season.

He said: "I don’t have a clue where these stories are emanating from but I spoke with a specialist physiotherapist earlier today and he thinks I am two to three weeks away from a return to playing action.

“I feel almost ready to get back into the thick of things right now but it’s best to take on board the expert advice because the last thing I want is to put my recovery back by aggravating the tear in the muscle.

“For that very reason I’m not setting myself any targets and will only pull on the boots again when 100 per cent fit.”

Maxwell said: “Willie is doing the right thing and being very sensible so it’s only right that we go along with his wishes in terms of making a comeback.

“It would be fabulous to have him back for the Musselburgh contest and for the vital league games looming in front of us but I’m resigned to being without him until the end of February so it’s a bonus if he gets back sooner.”

Turning to the cup tie, he said: “Musselburgh were losing finalists just two years ago and still retain a number of players from that team so they are clearly a team who thrive on Scottish Cup occasions.

“We have done the respectful bit by having them watched and we know a tough 90 minutes is in prospect but I’d imagine the report compiled by their man in the crowd at our recent games – Davie McGlynn, the ex-Linlithgow Rose manager – will be more or less saying the same thing.

“ It’s going to be a tight affair just like the last meeting of the clubs at Adamslie a few years back when we lost out on a penalty kick shoot-out.

“I was a Rob Roy player that day so I’m hoping for a better rub of the green as a manager.”