Peterhead save a No. 1 chance for Jarvie

opportunity for former locos goalkeeper

By Michael Gannon

Published:

Peterhead manager Neale Cooper has challenged goalkeeper Paul Jarvie to grab his opportunity to become Blue Toon number one.

The former Dundee United and Inverurie Locos goalkeeper is set for an extended run in the first team as glove rival Jonathan Bateman has been ruled out for six weeks with a stomach injury.

Cooper had planned to go out and find a replacement but he is set to hand Jarvie a chance, starting today at Dumbarton, with youngster Kieran Wilson on the bench.

The 27-year-old lost his place when Bateman arrived on loan from Aberdeen but is determined to win it back.

The manager said: “I had the option of bringing in another goalkeeper on a short-term deal but Paul told me not to bother.

“I have told him that I won’t, but the ball is in his court now. It is up to him now to go out and show me I do not need someone else.

“It is a blow to lose Bateman, who had been doing well, but Paul has the chance to establish himself now. He grabbed the chance when he replaced Michael Kula, now he has to do it again.”

Bateman is out until Christmas and forward Scott Michie is also absent today, but attacker David Ross is back.

Fellow frontman Martin Bavidge remains a doubt after a head knock in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat against Arbroath and will be assessed this morning.

The Blue Toon are looking to avenge the 2-1 defeat at Balmoor earlier in the season.

Cooper said: “We were well on top in the game but failed to convert our chances and conceded two terrible goals.

“They are a strong side and they have assembled a big squad. It will be a difficult game but we are confident we can get a good result down there.

“Last week was frustrating, but it was another lesson for some of the younger players.

“Arbroath wanted it that slightly more and with so little between the teams in this division it often comes down to who wants it more.

“We need to have the right attitude at Dumbarton.”