Crawford insisted his side will travel to Links Park on Scottish Cup third round duty knowing former Fife captain Steven Tweed's side, who sit winless at the bottom of the Third Division, will be looking to cause an upset and kickstart their own season.

Crawford said: "It was disappointing to lose out to Raith Rovers and Forfar early in the season.

"Last year, we were rewarded with a game at Pittodrie which never went well on the day, but I'm fully aware a cup run will give the supporters and players something to look forward to.

"Montrose will see us as a scalp but I'm confident if my boys perform how they have in the last three games, and just tighten up a wee bit at the back, we'll get the right result on Saturday."

Looking back at the weekend's 3-1 victory against Clyde, Crawford spoke of the importance of the three points which lifted his side out of the relegation play-off spot.

He continued: "We knew if Clyde had beaten us we'd find ourselves rooted to the bottom, which wouldn't have been good, as then it becomes a long, hard season.

"Clyde had a 10-minute spell in the second half when they scored the penalty but, after that, the boys reacted positively and I think we went on to win the game quite comfortably."

Paul McManus' eighth and ninth goals of the season took him to the top of the Second Division scorers' chart and Crawford spoke of his relief at tying him up in the summer.

He added: "Paul's been absolutely outstanding for us.

"He seems to have matured and taken on the responsibility of leading the front line well. His link-up play has improved and he's always been a goal threat throughout his career.

"If we can keep helping him by chipping in with a few from other areas in the park, the signs are good."

Stuart Cargill is the only fresh injury doubt for Saturday after coming off against Clyde with a tight groin but will be given the chance to prove his fitness at training tomorrow (Thursday).