AUCHINLECK TALBOT boss Tommy Sloan has paid a glowing tribute to striker David Gormley by tipping him to be a huge success at Clyde.

The 27-year-old, fresh from penning a one-year contract to join Barry Ferguson's side, is preparing to play his last game in the famous black and gold colours when Talbot face their arch nemesis Hurlford United in the Ayrshire Cup final tomorrow night.

And gaffer Tucker believes the stage is set for the hitman, scorer of a sensational winning goal when Talbot overcame Linlithgow Rose 1-0 in the 2013 Scottish Junior Cup final, to go out on a high.

He lauded: "David is one of the most skilful and talented individuals to have graced the Junior scene over the past few years and if his attitude is every bit as positive at Clyde then I wouldn't bet against him making waves in the Senior ranks.

"Our supporters have taken him to their hearts since he came on board in 2012 and they will turn out in considerable numbers to say their farewells at Meadow Park so David is hoping to give them the Ayrshire Cup as a parting gift.

"Certainly, a big performance from him would not go amiss as we have question marks hanging over the availability of several players on top of the definite absence of goalkeeper Andy Leishman whose jersey will be filled by deputy Robert Kerr."

Midfield dynamo Willie Boyd is believed to be another non-starter while Tucker will wait until his players congregate at Meadow Park before deciding whether Willie Lyle (flu) and Mark Cameron (calf muscle) are fit to play.

He added: "Much as I'd like us to be as close to full strength as possible for going up against a very good Hurlford team, I don't want players to gamble on getting through the game and declaring themselves fit.

"The younger guys around the fringes of our squad have let nobody down when their services have been called upon, however I'm not sure of their availability either as I'm hearing reports from the grapevine that Ally Park has moved to Glenafton.

"He's not told me himself that he's for the off and neither has any other player barring David even though terracing whispers reckon up to a third of our dressing room numbers are heading away to pastures new?"

The hugely successful Talbot boss, thought to have secured the signature of Troon striker Stevie Wilson for next season, poured scorn on circulating rumours stating giant goalkeeper Leishman is Ayr United bound.

He slammed: "Ayr manager Ian McColl has indeed spoken about Andy but the fact he has already gone to print to claim his new signing Greg Fleming is his No.1 choice could work against him.

"Andy is at a stage in his career when he's at the very top of his game and I cannot imagine him agreeing to play second fiddle to anyone ."

Talbot hitman Gorms confirmed the news of his imminent departure in a telephone call last week.

He revealed: "I spoke to Tucker on Friday about my decision to leave because I wanted him to know first but unfortunately the Clyde website beat me to the punch.

"I've had nothing but great times with Auchinleck and to walk away with winners' medals for two Scottish Cups, three Super Premier titles, one West of Scotland Cup, two Evening Times Cups and fingers crossed ... one Ayrshire Cup is beyond my wildest dreams.

"This step up to Clyde will get my best shot but if things don't work out then I know the best place to be in the Juniors."

Elsewhere on the comings and goings front comes news of Super First Division newcomers Bellshill Athletic losing their top-scoring strikers from last season after Craig Holmes grasped the opportunity to be reunited with his former gaffer Robert Downs at Arthurlie while Jay Mackay has opted to stay in the Central First Division with newly- promoted Rossvale.

Junior Scotland internationalist defender Chris Malone has left Kilbirnie Ladeside to join Glenafton who are thought to be locked in transfer negotiations trying to procure striker Chris Dallas from an Arthurlie side needing to beef up their own forward-line options after Paul "Tiny" Stewart sealed a move to Kilsyth Rangers.

PLAYING THIS WEEK:

(Kick-offs 7.30pm):

TOMORROW: Ayrshire Cup final: Auchinleck Talbot v Hurlford Utd (Meadow Park).

THURSDAY: Euroscot Eng Central League Cup final: Blantyre Vics v Thorniewood Utd (Newlandsfield).