ROB ROY boss Stewart Maxwell can always be relied upon to say it straight and go marching in with a measured opinion that others may or may not like to hear.

Speaking last night about the buzz of anticipation in his side’s dressing room now that the Rabs have arrived at the business end of the season still retaining an interest in the Junior game’s three main silverware prizes of Scottish Junior Cup, Super Premier Division title and West of Scotland Cup, he was both circumspect and forthright in saying.

“Without doubt there’s a lot to be excited about, however my players are by and large entering unfamiliar territory and it’s how they deal with the various issues sure to be stacking up in front of them that will define our season.

“To a man they deserve all the plaudits that have come their way not least for taking everything in their stride up to now but it’s crucial they continue in a similar vein even though the stakes are getting so much higher.

“ I have no fears whatsoever over their abilities to meet any playing challenges, however our end of season run-in is about to become a whole new ball game mentally as the pressure is tweaked up going into each and every game we play.”

It only adds credence to his comments to discover the table-topping Kirkintilloch outfit are beset with a few selection headaches approaching their ninth Super Premier hurdle from home tomorrow when hosting the visit to Guys Meadow of fifth top of the standings Arthurlie.

Maxi revealed: “Craig Buchanan will play no part in the Arthurlie game and is also a definite non-starter for next week’s Scottish Cup quarter-final away to Bonnyrigg Rose after going over on his ankle at training on Monday night.

“He has badly damaged ligaments and is facing a minimum of four weeks on the sidelines which is a dreadful blow for both him and the team, however it’s a source of comfort to know there is a ready-made replacement in big Davie Barr who came through his comeback game against Winton Rovers last weekend with no ill-effects and is able to slot into the heart of our defence.”

Rob Roy’s line up down at Ardrossan was also shorn of top goalscorers Willie Sawyers and Shaun Fraser as well as goalkeeper Jordan Brown, however Maxi had better news to report to ally supporters fears of an injury crisis.

He said: “Willie’s absence was down to him being at the birth of his second child and he trained alongside the other guys this week and will come back into the picture while Jordan is in fine fettle and was merely rested in order to give Michael McKinven some competitive game time.

“The situation with Shaun, simply outstanding since joining us in the summer months and with 15 goals to his name up to now, is a bit more complex but there is no denying we left him out of the team as a precautionary measure because of a concern over knee ligament damage.

“He could probably play at a push against Arthurlie but with the following week’s Scottish game at Bonnyrigg Rose in mind then it might be best to keep him in reserve again even though it turns out he has been playing with a torn lateral ligament for a number of years and has remarkably adapted his playing style to compensate.

“I always felt Shaun was a one-off and this injury news just proves it.”

Maxi was more reticent on whether he would be blooding latest Rabs recruit Andrew Johnston against the Barrhead men after completing the signing formalities for the Stirling Albion loan signing.

The gaffer insisted: “Andrew showed up very well as a Kilbirnie Ladeside trialist against Auchinleck last weekend and will come into our thoughts after looking the part in training this week.

“He’s a versatile type capable of operating in several midfield areas and I just feel the freshness he brings to the party could do us a turn.”

Nothing less than a win will suffice for the Rabs as they look to provide a confidence boost for next weekend’s cup trip through East and retain their long held pole position from the challenge of second-placed Glenafton strongly fancied to take the spoils against relegation threatened Kilbirnie Ladeside at Loch Park.

Yet another top-rated Super Premier Division showdown is on the cards at Beechwood Park where reigning champions Auchinleck Talbot will hope to take another step towards retaining their title crown facing a Pollok side who ran out deserved 2-0 winners in the corresponding early January clash of the rivals at Newlandsfield which stands as one of only two league games (at home to Kilbirnie Ladeside is the other) in which Talbot have recorded a blank sheet this season.

Paul Gallagher & Co will need to be in similar mean mood if the Glasgow visitors are to withstand the predicted onslaught from feared Talbot attacking trio Graham Wilson, Keir Milliken and Mark Shankland.

In another top-flight encounter, Hurlford United's bid to clamber clear of the drop-zone could see new signing Ross Robertson reunited with his former striking partner Stewart Kean when the Ford take on strong going Cumnock at Blair Park.

TODAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm unless stated)

Scottish Junior Cup fifth round (2.30pm): Maryhill v Linlithgow Rose (McKenna Park).

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Auchinleck Talbot v Pollok, Rob Roy v Arthurlie , Beith v Kilwinning Rangers, Hurlford Utd v Cumnock, Glenafton v Kilbirnie Ladeside.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Blantyre Vics v Rutherglen Glencairn, Maryhill v Cumbernauld Utd, Shotts Bon Accord v Renfrew, Shettleston v Kilsyth Rangers, Petershill v Yoker Athletic, Girvan v Irvine Vics, Clydebank v Irvine Meadow.

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

McBookie.com Central Second Division: East Kilbride Thistle v St Anthony’s, Dunipace v Ashfield ,Lanark Utd v Carluke Rovers, Newmains Utd v Glasgow Perthshire, Gartcairn v Vale of Leven, Port Glasgow v Royal Albert.

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