IT will surely rank as one of the finest achievements of his long Juniors career if St Anthony's boss Jamesie McKenna can steer the Govan club into the last 32 of the ETHX Energy Scottish Junior Cup.

He is entitled to feel hard done by after revealing no fewer than nine of his playing charges are unavailable for selection ahead of this week’s long trek North to face Stonehaven in a Third Round tie, postponed last weekend because of an unplayable pitch.

And it’s understandable for the odds being firmly stacked against the currently fourth from bottom outfit in the Central First Division, coming good against opponents currently sitting atop the North Region Superleague pile and boasting a 2-0 victory over Shotts Bon Accord in the last round.

But forever the optimist Cotter is nevertheless making light of his woes by insisting St Anthony's have every chance of progressing into the next round.

Even the double bodyblow of two experienced players – Gareth Timoney and Anton Conway walking away from McKenna Park – could not dampen the spirits of the long serving Ants manager as he concluded preparations last night.

He said: “Both players have been on board for a number of years but growing frustration at not holding down regular jerseys brought them to ask away and it’s thought Gareth is on the verge of joining Vale of Clyde so I won’t be surprised if his close friend Anton also ends up in Tollcross despite there being strong interest shown by Broomhouse Amateurs.

“And their departures have come hard on the heels of Graham Mushet calling time on his playing career because of pressing work commitments as well as our ex-Athletico Bilbao winger Ivan Jaramillo returning to Spain after landing a job back in his homeland.

“His loss is a particularly sore one as he was shaping up as a really exciting and skilful prospect yet it goes without saying that he leaves with our best wishes as do the other guys who have been good servants to St Anthony's.”

A 3-1 defeat at home to Larkhall Thistle in his side’s last outing also proved costly in more ways than one for Jamesie after Thomas Miller and one time Rangers signing Glody Ntumba were red carded and subsequently landed with suspensions.

The Ants gaffer added: “ It only rubs salt in the wounds that both sending offs could easily have been avoided and on top of everything else ,club captain Ronnie McDonald picked up an injury that has him rated no better than 50/50 for our Scottish tie.

“We want to give him every chance of being passed fit and a treatment session with Beith’s physiotherapist has been arranged for tonight to try and boost his chances.

“Another couple of definite non-starters for Saturday are centreback Jamie Ross who cannot get off his work in time to make the journey North while not getting back until much later than usual on Saturday prevents goalkeeper Jack Baker from making the trip.

“Jack’s unavailability posed us a real headache but thankfully our former No 1 Johnny Duncan who was released earlier this season has signed back on again to fill in between the posts up in Stonehaven.”

The Ants playing ranks have also been boosted by the acquisitions of former Bellshill Athletic and Maryhill midfielder Paul Gordon and youthful prospect Martin Fitzpatrick of outstanding Under 21 nursery Harmony Row while an injury to Rutherglen Glencairn hitman Mark McCarry scuppered a potential loan deal.

Jamesie insisted: “ Listing all the sick, wounded and unavailable shouldn’t detract from the fact I have every confidence in the players I do have to call upon such as Stenhousemuir loan signing Ryan Smith and Findlay McKenzie.

“Yes we’re a very young side, as many as seven of the guys are teenagers but the centreback pairing of Abu Mansare and Paul O’Brien are committed and no-nonsense defenders ideally suited for a Cup tie away from home while Willie Duncan is more than capable of knocking in a goal or two.

“Stonehaven’s pedigree is deserving of our respect but nothing more and if we play to our abilities then we’re in with a shout of causing an upset.”

Another four West Region hopefuls – all from Ayrshire - are on the road with possibly the toughest test awaiting Ardrossan Winton Rovers in facing Fife cracks Hill O’ Beath however Darvel and Saltcoats Vics have nothing to fear in going up against Blairgowrie and Scone Thistle respectively.

The remaining tie has reigning Cup holders Auchinleck Talbot understandably tipped to overcome Kinnoul with goals to spare.