IT is not all that difficult to comprehend why John Craig is still playing in the Juniors at 38 years of age.

He speaks as well away from the e pitch as he performs on it and the mindset comes across loud and clear that he loves playing football, he loves being a winner, he loves taking on a challenge and he would dearly love to get his hands on the only trophy prize to have eluded him during a chequered playing career spent with Cumnock, Beith, Hurlford Utd, Glenafton, Renfrew, Neilston, Kilsyth Rangers and East Kilbride Thistle...the Scottish Junior Cup.

His Jags manager Billy Campbell describes his midfield playmaker as “a gift from above” and just wishes he had decided to set up house in Scotland’s sixth biggest town when he was 10 years younger.

The team boss said: “JC is first and foremost a very skilful player as well as a very knowledgeable type whose attitude to training and games is a shining example to all our younger guys and he’s been a quite terrific attribute for the team.

“He’d be first to admit his legs don’t get him around like they once did but his use of the ball and ability to see an opening are as good as in his heyday and he has played a major part in our East Kilbride side getting through to the last 32 for the first time in many years.

“And he’s been enthusiastically looking forward to this game ever since the fourth-round draw was made as is everyone in our dressing room even though we all accept the Glens are looked upon as a surefire banker.

“But by the same token, East Kilbride weren’t given a hope when we travelled up North to face Culter in the last round yet we won convincingly and that’s the great thing about cup ties…you just never know what might happen on the day.

“Glenafton are the stronger side and are in much better form than ourselves but even underdogs can have a bite to them.”

The likelihood of JC’s long-held cup dream being realised with the Jags this season appears remote at best with the fourth from bottom Central Second Division hosting the visit of this powerful Glenafton side…currently sitting second top of the Super Premier pile and unbeaten in their last 11 outings…in one of tomorrow’s fourth round ties.

But ever the optimist JC believes his former club should not be preparing for their trip through to the Show Park thinking a last-16 place is as good as in the bag or that E.K. do not have a prayer in going up against the Ayrshire big guns.

And his defiant take on things will find no argument from Thistle striker Aaron Connolly who also previously played with the Glens and like JC is determined to do his utmost to put one over on his old team-mates.

The veteran midfielder said: “Dropping down the leagues at my age is commonplace but Aaron is only 25 and is someone who really could play at a much higher level if he put his mind to it.

“He has an eye for goal on the big occasions which the Glens defenders are acutely aware of seeing as he was playing alongside them up to a couple of years ago and I’m pretty sure they will be wary of his turn of pace and that of our team captain Alan McFadden who is every bit as quick off the mark despite getting on in years like myself.

“Somehow I cannot see Glens manager Craig McEwan being too concerned over what I bring to the table even though he and I teamed up together at New Cumnock and also back in our younger days when we were part of a crack Glasgow Amateurs side that included the likes of Dexy Wingate and Andy Essler.

“Southy was always a fierce competitor and he will want his troops to hit us with the proverbial kitchen sink and get the tie wrapped up as early as possible, but our Show Park playing surface could be a great leveller especially if we can set ourselves up to stay compact in the early stages and hit them on the break.

“The fact we lost 7-3 against Rob Roy in our only game against Super Premier opposition this season indicates a huge gulf but not a lot went right for us that day and I fancy we can give Glenafton a game of it.”

Meanwhile, ex-Glenafton defender Kieran McAnespie who has also enjoyed playing stints with Petershill and Kilbirnie Ladeside in recent years has been unveiled as the new manager of Clydebank.

And the 37-year-old who will be in the Bankies dugout for tomorrow’s Holm Park encounter against Super First Division bottom markers Irvine Vics has appointed former St Johnstone team-mate Marc McCulloch as his No.2.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 1.45pm)

Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round: East Kilbride Thistle v Glenafton, Kelty Hearts v Hill of Beath, Girvan v Penicuik Athletic, Petershill v Haddington Athletic, Renfrew v Greenock, Dunbar Utd v Benburb, Gartcairn v Hermes, Linlithgow Rose v Blantyre Vics, Carluke Rovers v Irvine Meadow, Fauldhouse Utd v Maryhill, Edinburgh Utd v Kilwinning Rangers, Broughty Athletic v Sauchie , Beith v Auchinleck Talbot, Cumbernauld Utd v Luncarty.

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Troon v Pollok, Cumnock v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Hurlford Utd v Arthurlie, Largs Thistle v Rob Roy.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Clydebank v Irvine Vics, Rutherglen Glencairn v Kilsyth Rangers, Shettleston v Yoker Athletic.

McBookie.com Central First Division: St Roch’s v Bellshill Athletic, Johnstone Burgh v Lesmahagow, Cambuslang Rangers v Rossvale, Vale of Clyde v Forth Wanderers, Neilston v Wishaw, Larkhall Thistle v Thorniewood Utd.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Ashfield v Newmains Utd, Lanark Utd v Port Glasgow, Glasgow Perthshire v Dunipace, Vale of Leven v Royal Albert.

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