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We are back in action on Friday night when the BBC Scotland cameras will be in attendance for the cinch Championship encounter with Ayr United.

It will be the fourth league match under the Balmoral Stadium lights this season and the three previous have all resulted in Cove victories, against Hamilton, Dundee and, in our earlier televised game, Queen’s Park.

Manager Paul Hartley is hoping to see that trend continue:

“I know the team has done well under the lights so far this season, in fact I was at two of them, the impressive wins over Dundee and Queen’s Park, and that’s a reminder that we’ve got it in us. Those were excellent performances, and I’m hoping we can do something similar against Ayr United.

“That won’t be easy though. I’ve seen a fair bit of them, and Lee Bullen has done an excellent job coming in there. He’s put together a strong squad, Akinyemi leads the line well, and they’ve been enjoying a really good season.

“But we have talent in our squad too, we’ve now managed a few training sessions with the boys and, of course, we have been able to bring a few new faces in.”

All five of the January additions so far will be in the manager’s plans for the match, with three: Scott Fox, Tony Weston and Miko Virtanen available to make their debuts.

“We have added a few players since the last match, and the new boys are in the squad, so I’m hoping that will give us a lift too. Whoever I select, we’re going to have to be at our best if we’re to get the result we all want.”

Among the new faces is Miko Virtanen, brought in on a deal until the summer with a view to a longer contract, and he hopes to be given the chance to shine:

“I know the league, which helps, and I’ve picked up a fair bit of experience. The injuries didn’t help me earlier in the season, but I feel that’s behind me now. I’m fit, and having lived up here previously, it’s nice to be back. I’ve also played a lot of games at the stadium for Aberdeen reserves, so that will help me to settle in too.

“Ayr have been impressive this season, but we have to show the self-belief which you need, and be confident that we can get a positive result.”

Other than Fraser Fyvie, still recovering from an ankle injury, the manager has a full squad to choose from.

Tickets for the game can be bought at the Cove Rangers FC Ticket Centre.

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