Published: Tuesday, 5th January, 2010 2:46pm

Turner sweats over big match fitness

by Alistair Neil

Midfielder faces late fitness test for Easter Road clash

CUP FEVER:Irvine Meadow.

IRVINE Meadow midfielder Gareth Turner is a major doubt for Saturday's historic Scottish Cup showdown at Easter Road.

Turner was forced off early with a muscle spasm in the friendly defeat at St Mirren on Monday and will now face a late fitness test before the mammoth clash.

The injury poses a massive headache for boss Chris Strain who watched his side take to the field for only the first time in over a month.

But the Meadow gaffer is remaining upbeat as he leads the club into the biggest game in its 112 year history.

Strain said: "Gareth took a muscle spasm due to the cold weather so we took him off straight away.

"He's a big doubt and we'll have him assessed on Wednesday.

"The lads did look rusty but it was good to get a run out and it gave us an opportunity to try a couple of different formations. The players have been training on their own over the festive period and they'll be up for it on Saturday, there's absolutely no doubt about that."

For a special four page big-match pull-out see this week's Times.

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