Falkirk manager Peter Houston admits he has been plunged into a striker crisis ahead of Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs.
Houston concedes he effectively has no recognised forwards available for the Hampden showdown.
Leading scorer Rory Loy has not played since hobbling out of last month's quarter-final win at Queen of the South, while Botti Biabi has been laid low with the mumps and faces a race against time to be fit for the clash.
John Baird is also cup-tied after playing for Queens in the competition during the first half of the campaign.
Such is Houston's lack of striking options, the former Dundee United boss even handed a debut to 16-year-old attacker Kevin O'Hara in the second half of Sunday's Championship defeat against the Doonhamers.
Houston, who could turn to on loan Ostersunds forward Taylor Morgan, said: "We're running out of strikers if I'm being perfectly honest. We're running out of experienced strikers that are going to be able to play in the semi-final.
"It's something we need to deal with and it's something we will deal with.
"We'll see how they are on Tuesday, Wednesday with regards to making sure they're okay.
"Botti has the mumps, he's had them for a week and that's why he's missing.
"It's a disease that you have to keep away, it's a contagious disease and he's touch and go whether he will be able to be in the squad for Saturday as well, so that's a wee bit of a problem."
Sunday's loss in Dumfries ensures Falkirk face an uphill struggle to make the play-offs.
Despite their personnel woes, Houston is still convinced they can overcome Hibs at the weekend.
He added: "We've played Hibs three times this season, we've won twice and drawn once.
"We have to think positively, why should we not? Hibs have got quality, they're a good side.
"We'll go there as huge underdogs and I quite like that. Sometimes teams will think that they're already in the final before they actually play the semi-final and I actually quite like that as well."
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