KILWINNING Rangers boss Chris Strain has warned his Super Premier Division side not to underestimate St Rochs in their Scottish Junior Cup showdown on Saturday.

Last season’s beaten semi- finalists head to the James McGrory Stadium with confidence boosted after posting their first league victory of the season – a 3-1 win over Largs Thistle last weekend.

But this feel-good factor is not stopping Strain from being wary of the Candy Rock.

“I’ve been under no illusions ever since the first-round draw was made that we have landed the toughest tie of the round and I’m more convinced of that than ever, now the game is upon us,” he said.

“Their squad does not lack for experienced players of a decent pedigree or indeed for up and coming youngsters with a bit of flair about them and that adds up to a potent mix that can be dangerous if Kilwinning Rangers are not in the right frame of mind.

“Focus was not a problem last season when we got to the semi-final and I’d like to think those experiences will stand us in good stead and make us mentally more capable for what I would term as a trip into the lion’s den.

“This 90 minutes will not be for the faint hearted, particularly in the early stages. However it’s every bit as crucial that we keep our discipline and I’ll be stressing that message to my players.

Strain likens St Rochs to his own club as a team on the rise on the back of establishing close links with their local community.

“Their supporters, like our own, are coming back in droves to support their local club and theirs is a real success story that has now entered another chapter through their ability to attract the best of the Junior players in the neighbourhood.

“John Sweeney, a real driving force in their midfield, is a case in point given that he could easily have the pick of Super Premier clubs to choose from but he desperately wants to play for St Rochs and so too do other familiar top-flight names such as Kieran Daw and John Carter.”

Strain admitted to having injury concerns over Bryan Boylan and Graham Barbour, both with ankle ligament injuries after coming on as substitutes against Largs.

“Graham is the bigger doubt. However, we are hopeful of both lads declaring themselves fit to play,” he said.

St Rochs ace Sweeney has owned up to entering unknown territory, having never come up against Kilwinning Rangers, but he knows what to expect from Strain.

“Strainy was a good footballer and a thoughtful type when I came up against him during my time at Pollok so I would expect his team to be well organised and able to stand up for themselves,” he said.

“We will be underdogs facing a Super Premier side but the occasion could be the making of our younger players as they will learn the level they must aspire to if they want to be at the top of Junior football.”

Candy Rock gaffer Andy Cameron is beset with selection woes after revealing Jordan McCue is a non-starter along with Declan Docherty, who broke a toe in training, while Carter is a doubt due to a thigh strain.