UNITED ACE IS TIPPED FOR TOP
Glens boss McEwan tips teenager for the very top
Craig McEwan knew Craig McGuffie was destined to be a star the minute he first laced his boots at Glenafton.
Now the chuffed Loch Park boss is looking on with pride as McGuffie makes his mark with Ayr United in the Championship and is tipped for Scotland Under- 19 honours.
The talented 18- year- old spent a season- and- a- half on loan at Glens and quickly became a favourite.
McEwan said: “In my eyes, Craig can be what he wants to be. He could be the next big thing.
“Craig reaped the rewards of playing in the Juniors where he knew he would be a target.
“There would often be three or four players around him at training but no one could get the ball off him.
“I like to think that Glens have played a part in his progression and he is now back at a very good club in Ayr.”
Glens, without the services of McGuffie this season, have lost only once in the Premier Division and trail leaders Rob Roy by a single point.
Now they try to keep going in the Scottish Junior Cup when they head to Dundee Violet in the last 64 on Saturday.
McEwan, who has had them twice watched, warned: “There are no easy ties in the cup and we got a fright when we were 3- 1 down at Broxburn before coming back with late goals and then winning the replay.
“Violet’s results have improved massively since a new manager came in. However, we have done our diligence and I am quietly confident.”
McEwan took the chance to keep his players ticking over with a friendly against Whitletts at Dalmellington.
Jordan Boyd and Paul Cameron fired Vics ahead before Chris Dallas volleyed home for Glens. Niall Kennedy beat Brian McGarrity at the second attempt to restore a two goal cushion but David Gray got one back with a free- kick.
AUCHINLECK try again to host Pollok in a replay after Beechwood failed an early pitch inspection. Also meeting in a replay are IRVINE
MEADOW and DARVEL. Biggest game in Ayrshire will be at a packed Bellsdale where BEITH try to spring a shock against Morton in the William Hill Scottish Cup.
TROON head to KILBIRNIE in the Premier Division but kept in shape when they beat CRAIGMARK 5- 2 in a Portland Park friendly.
Goals came from Ross Barbour, Mark Curragh, Ross Robertson, Evan Maley and Adam Forsyth.
CUMNOCK try to bounce back from their defeat against Arthurlie when they head to basement team LARGS.
GIRVAN visit Shettleston in the Super First Division looking to push on.
In the Ayrshire League, MAYBOLE host leaders WINTON, ANNBANK entertain WHITLETTS, LUGAR take on CRAIGMARK at Rosebank while ARDEER try again to entertain MUIRKIRK.