Paul Gallagher has insisted there is no panic in Pollok’s ranks despite the likelihood of star turn Carlo Monti sitting out tomorrow’s ETHXenergy Scottish Junior Cup quarter final clash with Kilbirnie Ladeside.

The talented forward's red card in last weekend’s 3-2 defeat by Rob Roy incurred an automatic two-game suspension that could only be rescinded if he launched an appeal before yesterday’s deadline.

However, commanding stopper Gal believes the former Celtic, Morton and Dundee ace is for accepting his punishment.

The Lok skipper said: “Carlo’s dismissal was debatable but nothing was said about an appeal at training this week so the team is resigned to facing Kilbirnie without him.

“And there’s no doubt we’ll miss the added dimension he brings to the team in the forward going areas but what should not be overlooked is that we managed to beat them earlier this season before he came on board during the transfer window so why shouldn’t we think ourselves capable of doing so again.

“It will be a huge ask because Kilbirnie are packed with experienced players…most notably my former Queens Park team mate Davie Anderson who can be a genius on his day…and they are a side not lacking in quality however the same can be said for us.

”We have unsung heroes in the likes of big Chris Walker whose ball winning qualities are hugely instrumental to our backline as I can afford to drop off and look to pick up whatever he misses…which is not a lot.”

The Pollok defender's recollections of a 2-1 Newlandsfield victory over the Ayrshiremen has him predicting another tight and hard fought affair between the Super Premier Division rivals.

He added: "I seem to remember our goalkeeper Jordan Longmuir coming up with several decent stops to keep Kilbirnie at bay after they recovered from going 2-0 down early in the game.

“Both sides have made personnel changes since then however I would still bet on there being little between us on the day and I just hope we can again get a confidence lift through making a good start out of the blocks.

“Everyone cannot wait for the game to come around and there’s sure to be a massive Pollok support in attendance so it’s vital we give them cause to be roaring on the team right from the first whistle.”

Cup tie preparations for the Southside giants have been mixed to say the least with Monti’s red carding followed by striking prospect Derek Hepburn being placed on the transfer list at his own request after being left out of last Saturday’s starting line-up.

However, a change of heart has since ensued with the former Vale of Clyde ace coming back off the list following heart to heart talks with gaffer Tony McInally.

And Macca has also seized the opportunity to strengthen his playing hand with the acquisition of ex-Stranraer midfielder cum full back Liam Rowan whose versatility might well earn himself a place on the bench for tomorrow's showdown.

“The headache of a fully-fit squad to choose from” is the word emanating from Blasties boss Stevie Swift, a former Pollok signing, who has owned up to sleepless nights fretting over his playing permutation.

He revealed: "I’ve found myself waking as early as 5am and thinking about how we will set ourselves up and being honest I’m more than comfortable with our game plan for facing the team who let’s not forget are the Super Premier leaders.

“The Monti red card situation threw a spanner in our works if truth be told and part of me still believes he could yet be lining up at kick-off time.

“But if he doesn’t then Tony has plenty of options with Robbie Winters waiting in the wings and not for a minute am I ruling out the fact he might be a employing a touch of man–management by having Hepburn itching to prove a point.

“Our own guys are fired up as you might expect after a very disappointing showing in our last game …a 4-0 defeat by Troon …but I’m putting that result down to being nothing more than a blip as otherwise the players have been outstanding all season and I’ve every confidence in them coming good.

“As a player I won every single prize going in the game barring the Scottish Cup and my biggest regret remains losing 1-0 in the 2003 Final against Tayport when I was with Linlithgow Rose .

“It would emulate all my achievements to help Kilbirnie go all the way this time but the hurdles don’t come much bigger than Pollok at Newlandsfield.”

Elsewhere on the transfer list comes word of full back Davie Mackay being put up for sale art Arthurlie where he has lost his place in the team since the return to the fold of experienced defender Craig Palmer.