THE Scottish League will tell referees to carry out early pitch

inspections for tonight's first and second division games. A league

official confirmed: ''There are a number of pitches causing concern.''

Falkirk host the promotion battle with Dunfermline, who are seeking a

club record 18 successive games without defeat.

Clydebank striker Craig Flannigan faces a fitness test on a knee while

defender Scott Murdoch is suspended for the trip to Dumbarton. Airdrie

and Hamilton meet in a Lanarkshire derby, and St Mirren face

Renfrewshire rivals Morton.

An X-ray yesterday revealed that Alloa defender John McCormack has a

broken shoulder and will be strapped up for three weeks. Alloa's game

against East Fife is subject to a midday inspection.

Berwick captain Steve Richardson could come back to face Queen of the

South. Injury-hit Stenhousemuir face Montrose, but Cowdenbeath should be

unchanged against Forfar.

* ARBROATH have appointed former Dundee and Dunfermline manager Jocky

Scott to succeed Danny McGrain, who resigned last Saturday.