McMillan signing an early present for Lok
JIM O’DONNELL
IT feels as if Christmas has come early for Murdie McKinnon after he signed the Dumbarton defender Jordan McMillan. The Pollok boss moved to avert an ever-worsening injury crisis by agreeing a hush-hush deal to snap up 31-year-old McMillan – who has played 11 first-team games this season for Dumbarton – in time for him to make his debut at home against Premiership rivals Largs Thistle today.
Joining the Southside club’s ranks is the latest twist in a chequered playing career that began at Rangers where McMillan had two first-team starts as well as a substitute appearance in the Champions League before moving on to Dunfermline, Partick Thistle and Clyde, prior to rejoining the Junior ranks at Cambuslang Rangers for a brief playing stint before putting pen to paper for Lowland League outfit Edusports.
He returned to the Seniors with Scottish League One side Dumbarton at the start of this season, playing in a 2-1 victory over Clyde as recently as late November so his capture is a feather in McKinnon’s cap.
The Lok boss said: “Jordan is a very experienced player with a great pedigree who is old school in terms of his approach and attitude towards the game and I see him as a great asset to our dressing room.
“The fact he takes it very personally if goals are conceded on his watch means he will demand nothing less than professional standards from his team-mates.
“He’s a versatile type, able to play middle of the park if necessary. However, right now we are crying out for his defensive qualities.”
Pollok full-back Grant Evans’ torn ankle ligaments along with Tony Coutts’ broken foot caused McKinnon to play Jamie Henry out of position in Pollok’s recent 1-1 draw at home to Rossvale. The midfielder, however, dislocated his shoulder after landing awkwardly from an aerial joust and looks set to be sidelined until the New Year.
McKinnon added: “We closed out the Rossvale game with winger Gary McCann playing right-back so bringing in reinforcements in the shape of Jordan was a must with so many big games looming on the horizon.
“A strong Largs side will provide a test but I’m pretty sure he will take the 90 minutes in his stride.”
In other top-flight contests today, table-toppers Kilwinning Rangers will not find it easy to bounce back from their 6-1 mauling at the hands of Auchinleck Talbot when heading out on the road to take on last season’s title runners-up Hurlford United.
Buffs boss Chris Strain said: “Hurlford have top players who know the Junior game inside out and on their own pitch are always a toughie so a test of character awaits us.
“But my guys didn’t play as badly as the Auchinleck scoreline suggests and we’ll look to silence those prophets of doom already thinking our bubble has burst.
“Chris McGowan, who has been playing with a broken leg, is a certain non-starter, while Mikey Hewitt’s red card against Talbot leaves him suspended, but back to give us a boost after a long injury absence is Sam McCloskey.”
Reigning champions Auchinleck are likely to reinstate Gordon Pope after recovering from injury for the visit of Kilbirnie Ladeside, while the return of Steven Crawford and centre-back Andy Dowie after suspension is a welcome boost for Cumnock boss Tony McInally whose midfield playmaker Paul Burns remains doubtful for the home clash against near neighbours Glenafton.