COULD former Celtic and Feyenoord ace Bobby Petta be on the verge of dropping into the Junior ranks?

That very question is being posed by a growing clamour of whispers reckoning the one-time Dutch internationalist is thinking over a signing approach from ambitious Central First Division side Rossvale Juniors.

Their manager Martin Lauchlan refused to confirm or deny Evening Times reports, however he somewhat pointedly admitted to having recently made moves to inject some experience into the Bishopbriggs-based outfit’s ranks.

And one can fully understand him pursuing the signature of Petta, a personal trainer in his working life and a willing participant in high profile `Legend` matches, whose 41 years makes him the same age as highly regarded ex-Rossvale striker Robbie Winters.

Locky said: “It’s become very apparent in recent weeks that our playing squad will be facing a hectic end of the season period with anything from 20-25 games yet to be played.

“Our squad certainly won’t lack for legs to get through their fixture programme, however I’ve been searching high and low for a long in the tooth impact signing, along the lines of Robbie, who can be capable of putting a hand on the tiller and act as a controlling influence out on the pitch.

“Several well-known figures in the Scottish game have been mentioned as possible additions, but only a couple have showed any real signs of coming to fruition and the truth is that any signings are short term and hugely dependent upon a sponsor coming forward to offer a measure of financial support.

“It would be wrong for me to disclose names at this juncture but the quality of our targets is sure to bring extra supporters through the gates.”

The Rossvale gaffer, taking time away from preparing his youthful playing charges for a trip into the Ayrshire heartlands tomorrow to go up against higher league Cumnock in a New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup encounter, was not so reticent about approaches made for Junior players.

He revealed: “I had high hopes of fixing up Willie McLaren of Forth Wanderers as I value his close control skills and ability to unlock defences, but unfortunately I could not come to an agreement on terms with Jamie McKenzie.

“Having to pull the plug on that proposed deal was disappointing, however we’ve simply turned our attention elsewhere and there’s every likelihood we might yet persuade vastly experienced defender Paul McMenamin to throw in his lot with us.

“He featured as a trialist with Blantyre Vics recently but did not put pen-to-paper because of work commitments, but I have designs on him acting as a stop-gap player for us until the end of season .”

His side’s second round tie at Rosebank Park has Lauchlan looking forward to pitting dugout wits against Nock boss John McKeown who introduced him to the Juniors as one of his backroom coaches at Wishaw Juniors.

He added: “This represents a huge step up in class for our guys but I’d like to think it’s a big game for Cumnock too.

“They are going along strongly after recovering from an indifferent start to the season but I’m not in the least surprised knowing Ruggy’s methods and how he sets up his team.

“He’ll be well aware of the style of football I favour so I believe a cracking cup tie is in prospect.”

Awaiting word on his transfer marker overtures has the Rossvale boss delaying any team selection and opposing gaffer McKeown is similarly refusing to disclose a playing hand that might feature highly-rated, forward-going types Aiden Malone, Ross McNeil, Owen Ronald and Josh Watt.

In the other West ties taking place, Clydebank are fancied to make home advantage tell when taking on Whitletts Vics whose ranks look set to include prolific hitman Tony Balfour and newcomer Lee McRae ex- Winton Rovers who will be making his competitive debut.

And Tollcross venue Fullarton Park hosts the meeting between near neighbours Vale of Clyde and Cambuslang Rangers whose manager Paul McColl is swithering over whether to play latest signing Nicky Moore in a three-pronged attack alongside Thomas “Deco” Kilmartin and Bob Davidson.

On the transfer front comes word of winger Paul Woodlock departing Wishaw to join Junior new boys Gartcairn and Troon have strengthened their attacking hand with the capture of winger on loan from Stranraer.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes developments at Neilston have seen Andy Whiteford take on a new role as Community Football Development manager while team affairs become the responsibility of his erstwhile No.2 Robert Graham assisted by coaches Kevin Fraser and James Lennox.

TOMORROW'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

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

New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup second round: Cumnock v Rossvale, Vale of Clyde v Cambuslang Rangers, Clydebank v Whitletts Vics.

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

McBookie.com Super First Division: Shotts Bon Accord v Kilwinning Rangers, Greenock v Yoker Athletic, Blantyre Vics v Bellshill Athletic, Largs Thistle v Kilsyth Rangers, Maybole v Cumbernauld Utd, Rutherglen Glencairn v Winton Rovers. McBookie.com Central First Division: Johnstone Burgh v St Anthony’s, Carluke Rovers v St Roch’s, Dunipace v Renfrew, Lesmahagow v Maryhill, Neilston v Wishaw, Larkhall Thistle v Thorniewood Utd.

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

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