IRVINE MEADOW have received a massive boost ahead of tomorrow’s replay against Linlithgow Rose in the ETHXenergy Scottish Junior Cup fourth round with the news that striker Richie Barr will be seeing out the season at the Ayrshire club.

Man of many clubs Richie, fresh from turning 34 last week, was a surprise inclusion in the Medda side that eked out a very creditable 1-1 draw through at Prestonfield last weekend when true to form he got his name on the scoresheet in what was his first outing for the Irvine club in almost two years.

And he’s lined up to play a key role in tomorrow’s played to a finish Meadow Park encounter that will decide which of the two Junior giants will advance to a last-16 clash against Kilwinning Rangers.

Speaking last night, Medda gaffer Davie Greig insisted: “Richie’s contribution last week…his goal apart…was quite sensational and he gave the Linlithgow backline a hard time of it with a hard running display as well as his ability to find space.

“He had returned to the club when Stevie Rankin was still in charge but was working his way back to full fitness for the most part and figured in friendly outings but had yet to play competitively.

“So it’s to his credit that he answered our call to arms when injuries forced both Chrissy Hall (groin) and Archie McPherson (foot) to call off in the days leading up to the game and all things considered I felt Richie put in a real shift for the team.

“We are going to need more of the same tomorrow because Chrissy and Archie are rated definite non-starters which leaves Richie, Paul Maxwell and youngster Stuart McCann as our only recognised frontmen albeit Shaun Fraser and Liam Finnigan are more than capable of filling forward-line roles if needs must.”

Greig claims to have nothing but praise for Linlithgow blazing a trail for Junior football with this week’s William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round triumph over Forfar Athletic, however there there was little admiration apparent when he looked ahead to tomorrow’s locking of horns.

He said: “No doubt the Rose players will be coming here on a high and expecting to turn us over, but they shouldn’t expect to find my players standing on ceremony and laying out the welcome mat for them.

“What Davie McGlynn and his players have done for the Junior game counts for nothing in a last 32-cup tie between two clubs with great traditions and we won’t be asking or giving any quarter until the final whistle has sounded.

“Irvine Meadow are in front of our own supporters and will most probably have fresher legs so the key is to make these advantages tell.”

Seasoned Medda hitman Maxwell hailed the return of outstanding marksman Barr even though it meant he had to settle for a place on the substitutes bench.

The 32-year-old who continues to play through the pain barrier said: “Richie has worked his socks off on the training ground to get his fitness up to scratch and you couldn’t help but feel good for him when he netted his goal last Saturday.

“He and Shaun Fraser teamed up to good effect and gave the Rose defenders a torrid time so chances are they will be given the nod again and I can only grin and bear it while hoping to get an opportunity to impress at some stage.

“ A lot of people are already thinking we’ve done the hard bit by bringing Linlithgow back to Meadow Park but I fancy we may have to play even better this week to stand any chance of getting through.”

One cannot help but think Kilwinning Rangers will grasp the opportunity to run the rule over their prospective last-16 opponents, however team boss and former Medda midfielder Chris Strain will be at Abbey Park hoping to oversee a Super First Division win over Greenock and keep his third top of the table side in the promotion reckoning.

And the impressive form shown by the likes of of Bryan Boylan, Dean Agnew, Isaac Kerr and Tommy Maitland of late, points to the Buffs achieving their aim.

Meanwhile, another of the West Region’s last 16 representatives in the Holy Grail competition – Rossvale – have strengthened their playing hand ahead of the forthcoming Cup clash with Hurlford United by snapping up former Celtic Under-17 youth team prospect Reece Delaney who is in manager Martin Lauchlan’s thoughts for a debut showing when the Bishopbriggs-based outfit host the visit of Central First Division rivals Johnstone Burgh.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 1.45 PM)

ETHXenergy Scottish Junior Cup fourth round: Camelon v Dundee North End, Glenrothes v Hermes.

Fourth round replays: Irvine Meadow v Linlithgow Rose.

New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup second round: Craigmark v Arthurlie.

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Beith v Rob Roy, Glenafton v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Shettleston v Petershill, Troon v Hurlford Utd, Pollok v Auchinleck Talbot.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Kilwinning Rangers v Greenock, Bellshill Athletic v Shotts Bon Accord, Blantyre Vics v Clydebank, Yoker v Largs Thistle, Cumbernauld Utd v Winton Rovers, Maybole v Cumnock, Kilsyth Rangers v Rutherglen Glencairn.

McBookie.com Central First Division: Dunipace v St Anthony's, St Roch's v Renfrew, Lesmahagow v Vale of Clyde, Wishaw v Larkhall Thistle, Rossvale v Johnstone Burgh, Neilston v Carluke Rovers, Maryhill v Thorniewood Utd.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Vale of Leven v Lanark Utd, Newmains Utd v Ashfield, Forth v Cambuslang Rangers, East Kilbride Thistle v Port Glasgow, Royal Albert v Benburb, Gartcairn v Glasgow Perthshire.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Annbank Utd v Dalry Thistle, Saltcoats Vics v Irvine Vics, Whitletts Vics v Ardeer Thistle, Girvan v Darvel, Lugar Boswell v Kello Rovers.