McCall looks to his young guns

United will be without at least four first team players including Gareth Hill, Michael McQuitty, Gerard Gillen and Tony McCloskey for the visit of DC.

But rather than bemoan his injury problems, McCall told Times Sport the situation provided an excellent opportunity for the fringe players to stake their claim for a first team place.

Ballymoney and DC met recently in a controversial WKD Intermediate Cup quarter final clash which saw DC run out winners by five goals to nil.

The tie was originally due to be played at The Riada Stadium but was switched to Suffolk Road, largely due to the apparent unwillingness of DC officials to negotiate another date for the game to take place in Ballymoney.

However, McCall said his mind was solely on matters on the pitch this weekend, describing the situation as 'water under the bridge'.

He added: "It will be a difficult game, a tough game.

"They are a big strong team and are going for the title so they will be motivated.

"They will come down here confident they can do to us that they did during the last game but hopefully we will put on a better show for the full 90 minutes.

"We are always competitive - I don't put out teams which are not competitive.

"We'll have a few youthful players who have come through the ranks and they'll get a chance to show what they can do at this level."

United go into the game in buoyant mood following a resounding victory over Bangor last Tuesday followed by a draw at Coagh on Saturday.