NOT for the first time, Mark McLennan is hoping to show that Pollok’s loss is Irvine Meadow’s gain when he returns to Newlandsfield on Saturday for a New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup second round tie between the clubs.

And his motivation is understandable when one considers the one-time St Mirren signing has cause to reflect upon his six years long Junior career as a “bit of a boomerang time” given he is currently in the middle of a third playing stint at Medda Park following two in-between spells with the Southside outfit.

He’s experienced a mixed bag of memories…more good than bad…ever since being given the opportunity by erstwhile Ayrshire gaffer Chris Strain to break into his 2011 Super Premier Division title-winning side and he can look back with pride at an array of trophies won with both clubs.

Yet it’s probably true to say the nowadays 25-year-old’s standing in the Junior game has never been higher after being persuaded by the management team of Gareth Turner, Michael Wardrope and coach Neil McGowan to rejoin the Medda following their relegation to the Super First Division at the end of last season.

McLennan admitted: “All three of them are former team-mates and were a big pull in my decision to come back here for a third time.

“I had a difficult time at Pollok last season where I failed to hold down a regular jersey under Tony McInally and I could see the writing on the wall after being left out of the16-strong squad that stripped for the Scottish Junior Cup Final against Beith.

“I did not make a secret of my disappointment in talks with Gareth and Michael who promised to get me back playing regularly and they have been true to their word as I’ve not missed a single minute of playing time this season.

“Not all my appearances have been in my preferred right-back position as I will play wherever the team needs me and I’ve crammed in a run of 12 games in central defence as well as playing midfield in Saturday’s 2-0 win against Shotts Bon Accord because we were down to just 12 fit players.”

Many of the Busby born and raised ace’s former Pollok team-mates are set to be in opposition on Saturday and he freely admits they will start firm favourites to come out on top.

He said: “It will be good to see all the guys again but reunions take a back seat to helping Irvine Meadow win and get into the next round.

“Pollok in front of their own fans are sure to be in our faces from the first whistle as I know from experience so the key is to cope with their early pressure by defending well and try to take the game to them at every opportunity.

“Gareth and Michael brought an entire new playing squad together this season and initial performances left a lot to be desired but we’ve not looked back since the players gelled to go on a winning run and it’s encouraging that we have got ourselves on the fringes of the promotion running.

“Yes, we suffered a major hiccup recently when losing 1-0 in the Scottish Junior Cup to Carluke Rovers but the scoreline doesn’t tell the story of how we were handicapped by having to play with 10 men for 85 minutes after Lee McRae was adjudged to be guilty of a “last man” foul.

“We went on to hit the woodwork three times and lost out to a goal conceded in the 85th minute minute so it was definitely not a day when lady luck was smiling on us.

“A big performance at Newlandsfield would help put that result behind us and we can take great heart from knowing our supporters will be there in numbers to cheer us on.”

On the transfer front comes news of Arthurlie signing one-time Celtic Youths signing Keiran Brennan from Armadale Thistle.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round: Rob Roy v Musselburgh Athletic.

New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup Second Round: Annbank Utd v Maryhill, Auchinleck Talbot v Whitletts Vics, Benburb v Kilwinning Rangers, Cumnock v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Glenafton v Troon, Largs Thistle v Beith, Larkhall Thistle v Craigmark, Pollok v Irvine Meadow, Rossvale v Neilston, Royal Albert v Maybole, Saltcoats Vics v Kilsyth Rangers, Shettleston v Blantyre Vics, St Roch's v Petershill, Thorniewood Utd v Darvel.

First Round: Dunipace v Lanark Utd.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Yoker Athletic v Clydebank, Girvan v Rutherglen Glencairn, Shotts Bon Accord v Renfrew.

McBookie.com Central First Division: Bellshill Athletic v Greenock, Lesmahagow v Vale of Clyde, Johnstone Burgh v Cambuslang Rangers, Forth Wanderers v Wishaw.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: East Kilbride Thistle v Gartcairn, Port Glasgow v Ashfield, Dunipace v Port Glasgow, Newmains Utd v Carluke Rovers, St Anthony's v Vale of Leven.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Ardeer Thistle v Dalry Thistle, Lugar Boswell v Muirkirk.