Ross McPherson today admitted he is facing a daunting task in holding down a striking jersey with Irvine Meadow.

The summer reinstatement from Queen's Park is settling comfortably into his new Ayrshire surroundings and made his debut in last Saturday’s 2-0 friendly win over Penicuik Athletic playing as the spearhead with another ex-Spider, Shaun Fraser, just off him in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

He did not get his name on the scoresheet, however “Archie” comforted himself with getting 90 minutes of action under his belt.

He revealed: “I only came back from holiday last Thursday night and tired badly towards the end, but the workout was exactly what I needed in terms of match sharpness and bonding with the other guys.

“The settling-in process off the pitch has not been a problem given Shaun and Chris Wilson are former team- mates, while I know most of the players from coming up against them in recent seasons with Clydebank.

“But the key part is seeing how we all complement each other in a playing sense, and I was happy with my contribution, albeit I would like to think there is better to come.”

A lack of starting appearances under Gus MacPherson saw the 27-year-old turn his back on the opportunity to remain at Hampden in favour of returning to the Junior ranks, however he knows there is arguably stiffer competition for the Medda jerseys.

He said: “To not figure regularly when you are travelling all over the country and going up to places like Elgin on a Friday night is not for me.

“It was flattering to then have a number of Junior clubs on my case, but Stevie Rankin and Murdo McKinnon have been chasing my signature for years and I just felt working with them could improve my game.

“But I know to expect no favouritism, and holding down a place ahead of quality Juniors like Paul Maxwell and Chrissy Hall – who was a team-mate of mine back in our youth days at Knightswood Amateurs – is going to be a huge ask, however it’s a challenge I am only too willing to take on."

McPherson must also contend with a young striking prospect currently training with the Ayrshire big guns in the hope of earning a contract offer – Congolese-born teenager Glody Ntumba.

Assistant gaffer McKinnon revealed: “Glody played under me at Rangers until he was persuaded to move abroad and sign a full-time contract with the Italian club Genoa, but unfortunately work permit issues surfaced because of his non-EU status and he was forced to leave by the authorities.

“He still has designs on playing at a higher level, but if he can put himself in the shop window with his displays for Irvine Meadow, then everyone’s a winner.”

Meanwhile, former Albion Rovers midfielder Gary Philips is in training with one of his former Junior clubs, Auchinleck Talbot, with a view to earning a contract offer .

Shettleston frontman Calum McRobbie is thought to be on the verge of earning another stint upstairs, with the 23-year-old one-time Aberdeen signing said to be attracting the attention of both Queen's Park and Albion Rovers.

TONIGHT

Friendlies: Vale of Leven v St Anthony's, Wishaw v Blackburn, Carluke v Hearts XI, Annbank v Auchinleck, Neilston v Ardeer, Alloa XI v Rossvale, Vale of Clyde v Shotts, Kilsyth v St Roch's, Blantyre Vics v Shettleston, Maryhill v Drumchapel, Dalziel HSFP v Bellshill, Ashfield v Larkhall,West Calder Utd v Royal Albert, Port Glasgow v Whitletts, Renfrew v Irvine Meadow (Lochinch), Broomhouse SC v Newmains, Johnstone Burgh v Arthurlie, Irvine Vics v Bonnyton U21s, Largs v Saltcoats, EK Thistle v Clyde XI.