Team selection issues for Semi Final

After yesterday’s nil nil draw at Tynecastle Stuart McCall mentioned he will have issues with selection ahead of the semi final on Saturday – who will be left out?

With everyone likely to be available, apart from possibly Steven Saunders, the manager will have close to the biggest squad he has had available to choose from.

One certainty is Darren Randolph in goal, he has had 18 shut outs this season to date, and is the only player to have started all 46 games we have played recently. He has also helped us to win the last four pints which secured top six football with his performances against United and Hearts.

Defence is where the manager has his first challenging selection. If Saunders is missing, I would have no hesitation in picking Maurice Ross who ha been impressive in his three games to date. The other full back would almost certainly be Steven Hammell.

Centre back is an interesting choice, do we stick with the experience of Stephen Craigan or the youthful exuberance of Gavin Gunning. I would pick Craigan but I wouldn’t be surprised if the manager picked Gunning to pair Hutchinson.

For me the midfield picks itself, with Humphrey and Murphy on the flanks either side of Jennings and Lasley. This will seem a bit harsh on Tom Hateley who has featured in every game this season but I believe this is our best midfield.

This means up front we would start with Jeffers and Sutton, the partnership that caused real problems for Dundee United in the replay, and would cause problems for the Saints defence as well.

This would mean a bench of; Hollis, Hateley, Gunning, Forbes, Jones.

This would all mean no place for Casagolda, McHugh, Page, Carswell or Pollock which is no reflection on them but would leave us with a strong 16 for such a big game.

I am glad it is McCall who has to make this decision and tell the ones who will miss out, all the best gaffer!!