McKay insists there will be no old boys’ routine at the Celsius
THE prospect of a clutch of players lining up against their former clubs is sure to add spice, but will it also make this week’s Rutherglen Glencairn v Arthurlie meeting at the Celsius Stadium more akin to an old boys’ reunion than a crunch Championship match?
Not according to Glens pocket dynamo Jay McKay who insists he and his table-topping team-mates will not be laying out any welcome mat for Del McNab and Jamie Docherty’s return to familiar territory. McKay said: “Del has remained good friends with the majority of guys in our dressing room after only moving away during the close season for whatever reason. However, he will not be greeted with open arms on Saturday.
“He was part of a tight group here but will know not to expect any niceties to be extended for at least 90 minutes.”
“The same no-favours approach should also apply to Doc who everyone recognises as a top Junior goalscorer even if only the older stagers such as Tony Fraser were around when he played here.
“I’m as excited as I’ve been in a long time because this is by far the best Glencairn side since I joined three years ago and nothing should be allowed to get in the way of our promotion charge.”
The Glens occupy pole position while Arthurlie are six points adrift in ninth but McKay is wary of the threat posed by Dunky Sinclair’s side. He said: “Arthurlie have hit lean times but I still look upon them as one of the big Junior names and I wouldn’t bet against them coming with a strong challenge as the season wears on.
“Big Sinky has brought in a number of players who he managed at Larkhall Thistle and he will clearly know how to get the best out of them.”
Energetic duo Dale Simeon and Del Esplin look certain starters for the revamped Glens while it remains to be seen if places can be found for Jordan Leyden and young Harry Mitchell who caught the eye coming on as a substitute at Guys Meadow.
McKay added: “Harry had a spell with Cambuslang Rangers last season before joining our Under-21s but now he’s looking one for the future since stepping up to the Juniors again this season.
“He’s made the transition look easy and all he needs now is a run of games.”