Keir Milliken's forward line link-up with Graham Wilson is ready and willing to shoulder the scoring responsibility for getting Auchinleck Talbot into an astonishing 14th Scottish Junior Cup Final when the Ayrshire giants lock horns with Linlithgow Rose in today’s semi-final second leg at Beechwood Park

Talbot boss Tommy Sloan’s heavy reliance on the experienced pairing of Milky and top scorer `G` can now be taken as a fait accompli after an injury blow befell outstanding striker prospect Mark Shankland in last weekend’s first leg 0-0 stalemate through at Prestonfield which threatens to sideline the 20 year old for the remainder of this season .

Little wonder then with ex-Kilmarnock and St Mirren youngster Dylan Pooler (he turns 20 next month) as the only other recognised frontman on Talbot’s books that Sloan and indeed Talbot’s supporting legions are looking to the Milliken/Wilson partnership to assume the net-finding responsibility .

Milky who has trained his sights on a fourth cup final appearance in seven years, revealed: "Shankers has a stress fracture of his foot and is facing a six-week healing process, according to the initial diagnosis from doctors so chances are he might not even recover in time for the cup final if we were to get through.

“It’s a sickener as he’s scored a lot of key goals this season and his absence is a real hammer blow to the team and not least of all for him personally

"However, he has dealt with the news incredibly well and as you might expect from one very determined character, he’s vowing to be back playing sooner than expected.

“Hopefully we add to his motivation by coming out on top in the semi-final tomorrow though it’s anything but a foregone conclusion as Linlithgow were a really good passing team and served up an impressive showing in last week’s first meeting.

“That said the game sadly lacked for goalmouth action and we never tested their goalkeeper in the entire 90 minutes while big Andy (goalkeeper Andy Leishman) had just one save of any note to make.

“Home advantage and the superb backing of the Talbot fans doesn’t give us any divine right to win and we need to play at a much higher tempo and with a lot more confidence if we are to book a place in another final.

Losing the mercurial Shankland is not long serving Auchinleck gaffer Sloan's only selection concern.

He added: "Dwayne Hyslop has trained alongside the guys this week after sitting out the first game but I’m not convinced he’s fully over his foot injury so I’ll probably delay making any decision on him until closer to kick off time.

“That said, we may have no choice than to throw him straight back in because Craig McCracken tweaked his calf muscle in midweek and barring a Lazarus type recovery , he has to be considered very doubtful at this stage.

“Steven White also came off injured through at Linlithgow but Whitey being Whitey has declared himself fit and it’s important we have players of his ilk in our line up as we need to look and try to dominate the midfield more than we did last weekend.

“Linlithgow, who I have to say caught us by surprise by playing just three at the back, enjoyed far too much possession for my liking particularly first half.

"But thankfully the enforced introduction of substitutes James Latta and McCracken had the effect of making us much more competitive and we definitely improved in the second half.

“Defensively we were rock solid and little was seen of the twin Linlithgow strikers Tommy Coyne and Kevin Kelbie however our own attacking forays were similarly few and far between .

“Over the piece, neither team ever looked like winning the game outright so both Linlithgow and ourselves cannot really grumble over the result which leaves everything to play for tomorrow

“Our injuries are what they are and we must put all thoughts of them to one side and look for the players we have available to show themselves as a strong unit out on the pitch.”

On a sadder note , the funeral service for legendary Irvine Vics figurehead Bert Loach who passed away last week has been arranged for Thursday 4th May at Fullarton Parish Church in Irvine (11am) and then on to Holmsfordbridge Crematorium (12 noon) .

PLAYING TODAY (Kick-offs 2pm unless stated) Scottish Junior Cup, Semi Finals Second Leg (2.30pm). Bonnyrigg Rose v Glenafton, Auchinleck Talbot v Linlithgow Rose.

McBookie.com Super Premier Division.

Beith v Kilwinning Rangers, Hurlford Utd v Cumnock, Rob Roy v Troon.

McBookie.com Super First Division.

Girvan v Petershill, Irvine Vics v Rutherglen Glencairn, Kilsyth Rangers v Clydebank, Shotts Bon Accord v Irvine Meadow, Renfrew v Yoker Athletic, Maryhill v Cumbernauld Utd.

McBookie.com Central First Division.

Rossvale v Vale of Clyde, Benburb v Lesmahagow, Thorniewood Utd v Bellshill Athletic, Cambuslang Rangers v Forth Wanderers, Greenock v Neilston, Larkhall Thistle v Wishaw.

McBookie.com Central Second Division.

Newmains Utd v Gartcairn, Ashfield v Lanark Utd, Carluke Rovers v East Kilbride Thistle.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League. Dalry Thistle v Darvel, Maybole v Whitletts Vics, Muirkirk v Kello Rovers, Ardeer Thistle v Annbank Utd.

West of Scotland Cup, quarter finals.

Pollok v St Roch's.