QPR linked striker in fresh injury concern as Albion Rovers No.2 talks up need to strengthen strikeforce next term

Albion Rovers assistant boss Scott MacKenzie admits strengthening their strike force will be key for next season.

The Cliftonhill side finished eighth in League Two after a disappointing campaign, but they didn’t have the troubles to seek with regular injury issues and, at one point, they were unable to field a recognised striker.

Rovers are likely to lose top scorer Kyle Doherty, who has been on trial with English Championship side Queen’s Park Rangers this season, and with a record of 37 goals scored in 36 games, that has to be improved next term if they want to be challenging at the top end of the table.

MacKenzie, who took charge this week with boss Brian Reid absent due to family reasons, said: “The whole team have had a tough time with injuries this season.

“It’s just our luck. We’ve never had a really settled team. We’ve had to chop and change all the time.

“Going back a few weeks ago we didn’t even have a recognised striker available. Declan Byrne has been injured, so has Max Wright. Doc [Doherty] was injured as well for a while.

“That’s something Brian and I will need to address for next season, and see if we can maybe bring in a couple of strikers.

“Hopefully the ones we’ve got will stay but we won’t know that until we sit down and have a chat with everyone. We are speaking to players this week.

“We are not under any illusions. We know that some players will be leaving, but we are hoping to get a couple in and those fresh faces will help out the ones who are staying.”

Asked specifically about Doherty, who came off with a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Cowdenbeath, MacKenzie added: “I don’t know what will happen with Doc. He pulled his hamstring on Saturday and had to come off.

“I know he’s been