A long-standing bond of friendship will be broken for 90 minutes on Saturday when Cambus-lang Rangers and Pollok lock horns in the Emirates Scottish Cup.

It adds a few lashings of extra spice to this top first-round encounter for managers Alan Wardlaw and John Richardson to be crossing paths, given they were previously Somervell Park team-mates before going on to take up Wee Gers backroom jobs under gaffer Andy Cunningham.

Their working together at close quarters led Wardy to believe it was inevitable close pal Rich would one day take up the reins at one of the top Junior clubs – but now he's determined to slacken his grip on them through inflicting a shock cup exit.

The Gers boss revealed: "John and I both played in the Cambuslang side that lifted the Sectional League Cup in 2000, and his attitude and approach to the game back then marked him down as a winner.

"I soon discovered when we worked together under Andy that he was someone who always wanted to learn new ideas and better himself on the coaching side of things, so it's come as no real surprise to see him take charge at several clubs down the years.

"I respect what he's done and try to keep in touch with him most weeks on the telephone ... in fact, it's probably true to say we speak more now than we did sharing the same dressing-room.

"There were more than a few light-hearted digs exchanged when the Scottish Cup draw was made but, as you might expect, things have quietened down between us as this game has drawn nearer and nearer."

Once-revered goalkeeper Wardy insists there are strong similarities in the form shown by both clubs going into their first round head- to-head.

He said: "My players have been inconsistent in the extreme and have only played anywhere near our best in patches during games, with the result that five defeats – all by the odd goal – have been inflicted in our nine competitive outings to date.

"At Pollok, many people thought John's plans were coming to fruition when they blitzed their way to the Euroscot Eng Cup final, but league results have been poor to say the least."

Wardy continued with a wry smile on his face to say: "John is also aware that I have never ended up on the losing side as a player going up against Pollok, so maybe that hoodoo factor will be preying on his mind."

In worrying news for Lok fans, huge doubt hangs over the availability of frontman Carlo Monti. Gaffer Richardson said: "Carlo has been on the treatment table and hasn't trained this week just to give him every chance of making it.

"Even if not fully fit, I'd still like him on the bench as he is an impact player who is capable of winning matches with a flash of genius.

"It's disappointing to be hit with injuries with so many big games coming up and for that reason I've been working at getting a few new faces in before Saturday. How-ever, I won't know if our approaches will be successful until nearer kick-off time."

Looking ahead to the Somervell Park contest, he added: "Going away from home in the Emirates Cup to face a lower-league team – but particularly one with Cambus- lang's great tradition – in is fraught with danger.

"They will raise their game and chase lost causes all day looking to take our scalp, so my players have to be up for the battle or face the consequences."