Shettleston ending up on the wrong end of arguably the biggest New Coin Holdings Cup upset last weekend has not been without repercussions.

Team boss Hugh Kelly opted to go with a line-up mainly comprising of the Super Premier Division club’s fringe players.

But he was left gobsmacked after his bold selection backfired on him with a vengeance at New Tinto Park as Benburb, from three leagues lower down the West Region pecking order, ran out 6-4 winners thanks to goals from Jamie Boyle (3), Ryan Livingstone (2) and Darren McNeil.

Yet every bit as surprising in the aftermath of this shock defeat has been the announcement from Greenfield Park that Shettleston have transfer listed midfield duo Brian McEwan and Danny Boyle at their own request while also agreeing to part company with ex-St Mirren and Dumbarton ace Graeme Ramage.

The availability of one-time Celtic and Kilmarnock starlet McEwan, who has been fully five years on Shettleston’s books will undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows.

He only returned to playing action at the tail end of last season following a 14-month absence recovering from surgery to put right a debilitating ankle ligament problem.

Last night the 26 year old made his feelings clear. He said: “I’ve waited my chance patiently in spending the best part of two months as a substitute so hearing the team read out on Saturday with me yet again on the bench was the last straw.

“My general fitness is not in doubt, but I own up to being short of the sharpness that comes from regular game time.

"However, my opportunities to claim a Shettleston starting jersey have unfortunately been few and far between.

“The gaffer agrees but is dead against the notion of allowing me to go out on loan.

"So I was left with the stark choice of sitting tight in the hope something changes or asking away from my only Junior club.

“It’s not a decision to be taken lightly and I realise there is the likelihood of other clubs being unwilling or unable to make an offer for but if that happens then I’ll even consider dropping down to the amateur ranks.

“At this stage in my career I just need to get back playing again.”

It’s believed Rossvale and Yoker Athletic could be interested in McEwan, while one cannot help but think the competitive Boyle is not going to be short of suitors after some sterling displays in the Shettleston midfield this season.

Town gaffer Kelly took time out from preparing his playing charges for this week’s vital Super Premier Division clash at home to Glenafton to explain his decision.

He said: "Brian’s reaction to being told he was sitting out the Bens game was not the best and he then slapped in a transfer request which we as a club have reluctantly granted.

“Apparently Danny is also of the mind to head out for pastures new and yet again we are prepared to listen to offers for him.

"But you can take it as read that neither player will be leaving here for bargain-basement prices.

“It’s disappointing to an extent, but the opportunity exists to freshen up our dressing room which might not be a bad thing in view of our recent downturn in results.

“Already on board is a promising Spanish striker Miguel Blanco who is over in Scotland on a work secondment and his training ground efforts earned him a starting place against the Bens where he not only looked the part but managed to get his name on the scoresheet for good measure.

“He’ll definitely come into our thoughts for facing Glenafton and there might well be other new faces to parade if our plans come to fruition.”

Sure to have attracted Kelly’s attention is the news emanating from Ayrshire that former Clydebank midfielder Jamie Campbell is on the open to transfer list at Beith due to travelling difficulties.

The absorbing head to head at Greenfield Park might be the only top flight fixture taking place however the fixture list does not lack for intriguing league matches with Super First Division tabletoppers Largs Thistle heading out on the road in determined mood and seeking to best near neighbours Greenock and open up a six-point gap on the chasing pack.

Undoubtedly pick of the District League encounters is the Robertson Park showdown of Thorniewood United and Lesmahagow.

New manager Billy McDonald has tasked his players with picking up the three points on offer in order to go atop the standings.

Being regarded as makeweights is not exactly a new experience for hard-working United boss Andy Frame.

He said: "Two weeks ago we beat St Rochs 2-1 to prevent them going top of the pile while our 1-1 draw with Wishaw last Saturday stopped them taking over the league leaders mantle.

“And now the opportunity presents itself for us to be party poopers for the third week in a row and at the same time boost our own position in this division where there is precious little to choose between the top teams.

“The very fact that only four points separates ourselves back in sixth spot from the frontrunners Rossvale speaks volumes and we will attempt to close that gap further by having a real pop at the Gow on Saturday.

“It will be difficult as they are nobody’s pushovers especially with their players lifted by Billy’s appointment and our approach cannot be anything but fully committed.”