Liam McVey's experience of all things Auchinleck Talbot has him warning his Rob Roy mates to beware an onslaught from the Ayrshire cracks in tomorrow's Super Premier Division match of the day.

Supporters of both sides are keenly awaiting this top-of-the-table encounter which has league leaders Talbot seeking to open up a nine-point gap between them and third- placed Rabs.

Several lashings of added spice come from the clash heralding classy full-back Liam's first return to Beechwood Park where he enjoyed eight silverware-laden years until leaving last close season.

He said: "I've had several text messages from fans saying it will be good to see me back and, in many ways, the feeling is mutual, because I have nothing but good things to say about Auchinleck as a football club and the people in the village.

"However, all good times must come to an end and, last summer, I asked away in the hope of playing more regularly.I'd like to think my career is now starting a new and successful chapter with Rob Roy.

"We've hit the ground running and attracted a lot of good Press, but now comes Junior football's ultimate test and only if we pass it can we consider ourselves the real deal.

"We're certainly well-equipped with Iain Diack on fire and guys like Kevin 'Taz' Bradley and Stevie Meechan looking the part, but I firmly believe it's going to take everyone playing at their best, as well as a large slice of luck, if things are to go our way."

The 30-year-old has marked his side's card on what to expect under the Ayrshire microscope.

He said: "Talbot will be full-on in our face and will just never let up for the full 90 minutes because they never accept a game is over until the final whistle.

"The midfield pairing of Colin Spence and Steven White is the heartbeat of their team, allowing time and space for match- winning types Bryan Young and Keir Milliken in the final third.

"They also have an added weapon this season in Davie Gormley, who was previously with Rob Roy and, no doubt, he'll be as fired up as myself in wanting to do well against his former team-mates.

"It has all the makings of a cracking game and I'm looking forward to receiving a warm reception from Talbot fans – even wearing other colours."

Rabs co-gaffer Jimmy Lindsay said: "Yes, we must defend well, but it's even more imperative that we take the game to Auchinleck at every opportunity and, for that reason, I'll be sending out an attacking line-up."

Talbot boss Tommy Sloan expects an exacting afternoon for his players, and said: "Rob Roy are much improved from last season going by their results, so we're expecting a very tough 90 minutes.

"They have emerged as one of the main title challengers and it would be a real feather in our cap to take all three points and leave them with ground to make up going into the winter months."