Player-boss Peter Murphy is expecting a tough test when Annan Athletic play host to Stirling Albion.

This afternoon’s match (3pm kick-off) at Galabank will see former Black and Golds assistant manager Kevin Rutkiewicz face his old club.

The former Aberdeen and St Johnstone defender, 38, started the season as Murphy’s No.2 but last month replaced Dave Mackay as the manager of the Forthbank Stadium outfit.

Carlisle United favourite Murphy is looking forward to coming up against Rutkiewicz in the opposite dug-out, but is keen to see the Galabankies return to winning ways after their 2-0 home loss to Cowdenbeath last weekend.

"Even under Mackay, Stirling were a good attacking team," Murphy said.

"Kevin has come in and shored them up a little bit at the back.

"Mackay had four or five key players out injured, and Kevin is benefitting from those players coming back."

Meanwhile, Murphy says he is being patient as he looks for a new assistant manager.

On the search for a new No.2, the Dubliner said: "It is going alright.

"I’m looking for the right type of character because we are a tight-knit group."

Murphy added he currently has fitness concerns over keeper Jonny Jamieson, and defenders Steve Swinglehurst and Peter Watson.