Crocked ace Martin Hughes is at loggerheads with his Arthurlie gaffer Mark Cameron but Dunterlie fans need not worry that there has been a dressing-room fall-out.

The 29-year-old - who sustained a horrific double leg break against Bellshill a fortnight ago - says his boiler-room absence will not impact on the club's fight to secure Super Premier status for next season.

However, Lie boss "Branco" disagrees, as the club face four remaining league games which are set to decide the Barrhead outfit's relegation fate.

And his anxiety is understandable. After this week's visit of Auchinleck, it's two more home games - against Citlylink Cup semi-finalists Cumnock and Pollok - as well as a potential make-or-break trip to fellow-strugglers Shotts.

Hughes, whose spirit has him setting his sights on a Christmas comeback, said: "I'm gutted, but we have a playing squad with plenty of strength in depth and the door is now open for Stevie Aitken to show what he can do.

"We do have quality players ready to step in, so if we go about our business in a professional manner then we have nothing to fear.

"In fact, I would reckon all it will take is a couple of back-to-back wins and people will forget Martin Hughes ever played in the team."

There is little likelihood of that, given the high esteem in which Hughesy is held by supporters, team-mates and management alike.

Boss Cameron said: "It's so frustrating that someone like Martin will now be posted missing for our run-in as he thrives on these crunch occasions and is a hard act to follow.

"With Craig Baxter also unavailable for the next few weeks with damaged ankle ligaments, we may have to look to bring in one or two extra bodies before next week's transfer deadline."

Looking ahead to his battle with former Kilwinning Rangers team-mate Tommy Sloan, he added: "Auchin-leck will be even more dangerous opponents coming on the rebound from their Scottish Cup defeat by Cumnock.

"But we are fighting for survival and I believe two wins are needed to guarantee we stay up and that will not be easy to come by given the calibre of opposition we still have to play."

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Meadow on march

SUPER PREMIER leaders Irvine Meadow will go all out to rack up three points away to a Glenafton side determined to bounce back from Scottish and Whyte & Mackay Cup defeats in successive weeks.

I understand both clubs were in favour of a later 3pm kick-off to avoid clashing with the televised Old Firm match, but West Region beaks said no.

Beith host Cambuslang in a friendly on Saturday (11am). Bellsdale Park is also the venue for Hillwood Boys' Club v Vale of Leven in the Lady Darling Cup Under-21 semi-final (2pm).