Milky’s debt to Beith mates over surprise Scots call-up
NO.1 FOR JUNIORS
KEIR MILLIKEN reckons his Junior Scotland call-up is recognition for Beith’s unbeaten start to the season. The 29-year-old was one of three Bellsdale Park players – along with full-back Nikky Docherty and striker Davie McKenna – to be included in a 20-strong Scottish squad named earlier this week by team boss Keith Burgess to take part in next month’s Quadrangular Tournament being staged in Glasgow.
And a further indication of the Mighty attacking riches came from top-scorer Ross “Archie” McPherson being listed as one of six stand-by players.
Milky declared: “The squad announcement caused a laugh in our dressing room when young Thomas Collins said he could hardly complain to the manager Johnny Millar about not getting a game when the three other forwards at the club were internationalists
“It’s highly unusual for three forwards at the same club to be picked, but I was obviously delighted after 11 years in the Junior ranks to get this fantastic honour which I felt had passed me by when it never came my way in six highly successful seasons spent with Auchinleck Talbot.
“Winning two Scottish Cup Finals and finishing runners-up twice never got me the same recognition as three months at Beith has.
“So I owe a huge debt to my team-mates and most of all to the gaffer for bringing me here.
“I’ve been reasonably happy with how things have gone since signing in the close season, yet I honestly believe there’s better to come once I’m fully adjusted to the strengths and playing styles of the guys around me.
“It’s been different for me but hugely enjoyable at the same time and I’m just pleased to be holding down a place in a team that is playing well and brimming over with confidence as a result.”
Beith are out on their own atop the Super Premier Division standings with full points from their opening three fixtures and are determined to maintain their 100 per cent winning ways when near neighbours Kilwinning Rangers visit Bellsdale.
THE sides drew 2-2 at the same venue in an Ardagh Glass Cup sectional contest back in early August.
However, Milky insists he and his team-mates are better equipped for the challenge posed by the Buffs this time out.
He said: “Kilwinning are a much improved team this season and that’s been recognised by their striker Bryan Boylan also getting called up by Junior Scotland.
“They certainly l ooked to have the beating of us in our last meeting but for Thomas Collins bagging a late equaliser after they were reduced to ten men so we simply must not be caught on the hop again.
“We’ll need to be at the top of our game and afford them every respect by keeping the ball on the deck and running at their defenders with pace.
“My former Talbot team-mate Mark Campbell is a dominant figure at the heart of their defence and Sparky would be first to admit he is getting on in years, however he could play until he’s 60 if we revert to banging long balls down his throat like last time.
“Paul Frize, Darren Christie and Div McGowan are terrific midfield runners and with our front players scoring regularly then it’s only natural that we should seize the initiative and take the game to the Buffs from the first whistle.
“It would be marvellous to post another victory because putting early points on the board could be vital as I would imagine this season’s title race is going to be the most competitive I have ever known.”
Word on the team front reckons Beith’s left-sided defensive ace Ryan Docherty, formerly of Queen’s Park, will again deputise for regular right-back Connor McGlinchey as he battles back from a dislocated shoulder.
Milliken will hope to avoid any injury mishaps tomorrow as he is scheduled to meet up with the Junior Scotland squad for a Hannah Park get together session on Sunday ahead of playing a Prestonfield Park friendly match against Linlithgow Rose on Wednesday, September 20, (kick-off 7.30pm).
On the transfer front, Rutherglen Glencairn’ s determination to climb away from the bottom of the Super First Division pile has them reputedly close to sealing a deal to land Cambuslang Rangers striker Liam Gormley.
It’s more than a tad ironic given WillieHarvey’smenaretomorrow hosting Kilsyth Rangers who have been one of the striker’s main suitors since he was transfer listed at his own request.