VALE OF CLYDE boss Ian Currie today insisted that veteran campaigner James McKinstry is still part of his plans for the new season.

The former Clydebank, Partick Thistle, Dumbarton and Stranraer ace’s unstinting service to the famous old Tollcross club is about to receive due recognition in the shape of a testimonial game against a Celtic XI at Fullarton Park this Sunday.

And when asked if he expected 36-year-old "Banjo" to now take more of a bit part role, Currie said: “There’s not the slightest chance of that happening as any supporters who have watched us regularly will surely agree.

"James was, and still is, a terrific player, very much valued by me and he would only drop out of my thoughts if another club came in with a realistic offer for him.

“And even then, I would need to think long and hard as to whether him leaving would be right for the team.”

He added: "Banjo exerts an influence on the younger players around him from his deep-lying midfield role, and I just feel he is integral to how we intend to be setting ourselves up to play the game.”

Physics teacher McKinstry – nicknamed Banjo on account of having previously played in a band named Spyral Skratch – is a self-confessed Celtic supporter and was unaware of the Parkhead outfit agreeing to provide the opposition for his testimonial.

Currie revealed: "I know Chris McCart from working under him with Motherwell Youths and he was only too willing to send along one of his strong Development Squads, so I’ve warned our guys to expect a really testing workout.

“And the look of surprise on Banjo’s face when I informed him Celtic were coming to the Vale was something else. He’s as excited as a 10-year-old.

“The fact Celtic’s first team is in action 24 hours earlier against Ross County should hopefully result in a lot of their fans from in and around Tollcross and Shettleston coming along to swell the crowd because I’d love to see Banjo getting a bumper turnout for his game as nobody deserves it more."

Facing a losing battle in his attempts to line up alongside McKinstry on his glamour occasion is another Tin Pail old stager, 42-year-old Andy McLay.

The former Maryhill, Pollok and Rutherglen Glencairn playmaker is struggling to recover from a hamstring strain that forced him to be substituted in the Vale’s opening pre-season encounter against Shettleston.

He admitted: "It will be a major disappointment not to take part in Banjo’s big game as he’s a terrific character to have around the place, but I have only myself to blame.

“I came back from a family holiday in Florida and convinced myself to play in the Shettleston game, even though I’d just had one training session under my belt and the upshot was the old muscles just couldn’t take it.

“I have not been off the treatment table ever since and still feel the hammy is not quite there yet despite sitting out our friendly matches with Shotts and my old club Pollok.

"So it’s maybe best if I continue to rest up and look to get myself ready for when the competitive action gets underway in a couple of weeks.

“Missing out on Banjo’s day is a blow, but I don’t want to take any risks and have to let Ian down after promising him I would help him out for one more season before finally hanging the boots up for good.

“We’ve lost a number of regulars over the close season and need every player on the books to stand up and be counted until Ian gets out there on the recruiting front.”

His fellow-Tin Pail midfielder Grevon Harris also has a hamstring problem and is looking a non-starter against Celtic, but there’s better news on former Glencairn striker Gavin Ross.

McLay added: "Gavin could provide the goals to make up for Derek Hepburn stepping up to Pollok, along with Gartcairn snatching Barry McGeechan.

“When you include Hashim Cole and Joel Kasabundi joining Clydebank, as well as Div Mackay moving to Arthurlie, then Ian clearly has his work cut out in looking to replace half a team.

“But I believe our biggest loss is the midfield pair of Connor Stevenson and Beau Longridge, who have been in training with Livingston.

“As far as I’m aware, neither player has been made a contract offer as yet, and it may be in their best interests to return to Fullarton Park and put themselves back in the shop window.”