Larkhall manager Dunky Sinclair doesn't hesitate when he weighs up the stakes for tomorrow's Central First Division crunch against St Roch's.

The seasoned gaffer has arguably seen and done it all during a chequered playing career that saw him pick up an array of silverware prizes in Central and Ayrshire parts as well as a substantial number of Scotland Juniors caps.

But, with his team lying top and a point ahead of their Provanmill rivals, he knows exactly where promotion would rank.

Dunky said: “It would sit right up there among the greatest highlights of my Junior football days."

The vital face-off at Gasworks Park could see the famous Lanarkshire outfit clinching a step-up place in a contest that looks likely to attract one of the biggest crowds of the season to date.

The job is far from done, though, with St Roch's having a game in hand against Greenock.

Sinky said: “There was over 700 of a crowd when the teams played out a 1-1 draw back in March and I fancy the greater stakes on offer this time around will have supporters queuing up to get in .

“Life changing is not the description I would apply to a game between two Central First Division clubs, but there is no denying a massive 90 minutes is lying in store for Larkhall Thistle who have not played at Superleague level for nigh on 12 years.

“We aspire as a club to be playing at the top of the tree against the Polloks and Cumnocks so what better time to be moving up through the leagues with reconstruction likely to be with us next season.”

The former midfielder reports his playing squad in fine fettle - all are available for selection other than full-back Scott Nicoll - for their final league game of a competitive campaign that got underway last August with a 2-1 victory away to Thorniewood United.

Sinky admitted: "Ifs buts and all sorts of ramifications are possible regardless of Saturday’s outcome, but my players are thinking of nothing other than picking up the three points on offer to ensure we are promoted.

“To have everything in our own hands going into our final league game is beyond my wildest dreams and I know my players are desperate to do well on the day and earn a reward for the past ten months of hard graft.

“Losing a player of Scott’s quality is a blow but both Andy Brown and Niall Reynolds can slot in as cover if we so desire .

“Picking the best replacement option is a slight concern as is deciding what to do at the other end of the pitch after Gary McStay and Matty Clarke came off the bench to perform excellently in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat of Lesmahagow.

“They have given me food for thought and I’ll probably mull things over in my mind until reporting to the park tomorrow afternoon.”

The seasoned Larkie gaffer owned up to having a former Junior team mate run the rule over the Candy Rock in their notable 2-1 Central League Cup triumph over Rutherglen Glencairn in midweek.

He insisted: "I probably know all there is to know about St Roch's but best to keep abreast of any enforced changes and there were certainly a few surprise names on their team sheet at the Celsius Stadium.

“We are both decent football teams but Cambuslang Rangers sitting best placed due to their superior goals difference makes it look like one of us will miss out.

“I just hope it’s not Larkhall Thistle as I’d love to send our supporters away with smiles on their faces.”

Similarly hoping their promotion (if not title) dream will not be the one that got away are the visiting St Roch's whose team manager Andy Cameron has owned up to a number of selection woes after having to omit Rab McGuire, John Carter, goalkeeper John Stark and top marksman Baboucarr Mussa from his line-up against Glencairn.

Seventeen-year-old shotstopper Aidan Houston certainly looked the part between the posts, however Cameron is keeping fingers crossed that ex-Morton No.1 Stark will declare himself fit.

He added: "Aidan has performed superbly in our last two outings but you want experience for a game of this importance and Starky fits the bill and then having him in goals instils a great confidence in our defence.

“Right now he’s looking a decent bet to comer up trumps but I still have major concerns over the other guys and that’s going to cause me a sleepless night even though I will have 25 players to call on.”

Cameron went on to laud Larkhall and league leaders Cambuslang. He said: "It’s been a fantastic title race between all three teams and it’s so unfortunate that one of us is going to be disappointed.

“I’ll be asking my players to show a bit of self- belief and go for it because it would be soul destroying to be left with regrets at the final whistle even though a draw would not be the worst result for us.

“No game in this First Division is a nailed down certainty and that is certainly the case tomorrow not least because as I have too much respect for Larkhall Thistle and Sinky to suggest otherwise.

“But I do believe if my players give 100 per cent effort and relax into their normal game that we have a great chance of achieving our goal of promotion.

Experienced pair Stephen McDonald and Jordan Halsman have boosted Cameron’s selection hand by declaring themselves fit.

Meanwhile, Irvine Meadow have been rocked by news that co-boss Gareth Turner and coach Neil McGowan will be resigning their posts at the end of season to leave Michael Wardrope in sole charge.

TOMORROW FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Kilwinning Rangers v Pollok, Glenafton v Arthurlie, Beith v Rob Roy, Auchinleck Talbot v Troon.

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

McBookie.com Central First Division: Wishaw v Thorniewood Utd, Benburb v Forth Wanderers, Johnstone Burgh v Neilston, Larkhall Thistle v St Roch's.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Royal Albert v Newmains Utd, Dunipace v East Kilbride Thistle.

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