Glenafton players left out of Budgie’s Scots squad
No.1 FOR JUNIORS
AFOUR-STRONG contingent of Pollok players, Mark Sideserf, Gary McCann, Bryan Young and Ross Brash have been called up by Scotland Juniors manager Keith Burgess to take part in the forthcoming Umbro Quadrangular Tournament to be held in Glasgow on October 11-14.
Auchinleck Talbot provide a trio of players, one of whom Craig Pettigrew has been named as team captain, while current Super Premier Division frontrunners Beith’s representation of three – Nikky Docherty, Keir Milliken and David McKenna – is further augmented by hitman Ross “Archie” McPherson being named in a stand-by pool whose ranks also include Rob Roy’s in-form winger Lee Gallagher. The full squad is: GOALKEEPERS: Andy Leishman (Auchinleck Talbot), Richie Barnard (Linlithgow Rose).
DEFENDERS: Andy Forbes (Penicuik Athletic), Mark Sideserf (Pollok), Nicky Docherty (Beith), Jonathan Brown (Bonnyrigg Rose), Dean Hoskins (Bonnyrigg Rose), Colin Leiper (Linlithgow Rose), Craig Pettigrew (captain, Auchinleck Talbot).
MIDFIELDERS: Phil Johnston (Clydebank), Gary McCann, Ross Brash, Bryan Young (Pollok), Colin Spence (Arthurlie), Paul Burns (Cumnock), Lewis Mackenzie (Dundonald Bluebell).
FORWARDS: Keir Milliken, David McKenna (Beith), Graham Wilson (Auchinleck Talbot), Bryan Boylan (Kilwinning Rangers).
STAND-BY: Bryan Young, Kerr Young (Bonnyrigg Rose), Lewis Barr (Penicuik Athletic), Lee Gallacher (Rob Roy), Ross McPherson (Beith), Zander Miller (Broxburn Athletic).
Scotland boss Burgess said: “Scottish Junior Cup winners Glenafton’s continuing involvement in the big Scottish Cup is great for the Junior game but is a real hammer blow to our backroom team of Stewart Williamson, Stevie Hyslop and myself.
“I can think of at least three of their players who were in our thoughts, but there is a strong likelihood that the Glens will be playing a third round tie on Saturday, October 14, so I have picked a squad without them.
“Having just four previous caps in Andy Leishman, Ritchie Barnard, Pettigrew and Colin Leiper has brought us to name a core of experienced Juniors along with several up and coming prospects. This has been the most difficult selection we have ever made and we know it will not please everyone, but we believe the players have the qualities to do themselves proud.”
Glenafton’s chances of land- ing a Scottish Cup tie on the Quadrangular Tournament weekend were considerably boosted on Saturday when the Ayrshire club’s name went into the hat for the second round draw following a Chris Dallas inspired 6-1 demolition of first round opponents Golspie Sutherland.
Dallas netted four goals along with counters from Mick McCann and Jambo McKernon to subsequently earn a next up clash on September 23 at home to whosoever comes out on top in this coming weekend’s first round replay contest between Threave Rovers and Glasgow University. If the Junior kingpins can prevail yet again then they will be on cup duty on the same day as Junior Scotland are playing their third and final game in the Quadrangular Tournament.
THE prospect of his Glens players being denied recognition for their memorable Junior football achievements of last season does not sit easily with New Cumnock gaffer Craig McEwan.
However, he was fulsome in his praise of Scotland boss Burgess when giving his thoughts on the squad last night.
Southy said: “I’m absolutely gutted for my players over this clash and cannot fathom why a bit of foresight could not have seen the tournament arranged for another weekend seeing as the big Scottish Cup dates have been in the diary since before the start of this season.
“As it is we were still willing to allow any of our players to take part in the Scotland games on the Wednesday and Thursday nights but our offer was turned down.
“Don’t let my comments be seen as criticism of the manager because I cannot speak highly enough of Budgie and his assistant Stewart who showed themselves to be top men by getting in touch to explain their reasons for not selecting my players.
“It was a terrific gesture on their part. I’m probably feeling more frustrated than angry.”
Junior football’s other survivors in the Scottish Cup proper landed daunting pairings in the second-round draw with North Region champions Banks O’Dee hosting Huntly while a long trip north to face Brora Rangers is Girvan’s reward for the 5-3 win over St Cuthberts Wanderers.