Tommy Sloan believes the attacking contribution of David Gormley is more important to his Auchinleck Talbot side than a transfer fee from Clyde.

That much would appear to be obvious after a recent 2-0 Super Premier reverse against Irvine Meadow caused gaffer Tucker to call 26-year-old Gorms in for a face-to-face meeting and reveal he was pulling the plug on a proposed January transfer window arrangement that would have seen him move to the relegation-threatened SPFL League Two outfit.

And this spurned opportunity could spell bad news for Scottish Junior Cup opponents Port Glasgow as the striking ace is itching to take his frustration out on them in Saturday's fourth-round clash and clinch the Ayrshiremen's place in the last 16.

The one-time Ayr United frontman admitted: "Everything had been agreed between the clubs and all that remained was the release papers to be signed, but I arrived back from holiday last week to a telephone call from Tucker requesting I come down to training.

"I was a bit taken aback as plans were already in place for me to head for Broadwood that night to complete signing formalities with Clyde and meet their players. But he insisted on my appearance and then knocked me for six by also owning up to having a change of heart about sanctioning my step upstairs.

"We met up and he explained the manner of our defeat by Medda had brought him to realise there are qualities I bring to the team which cannot be replaced at present, therefore he had decided I was going nowhere.

"Tucker is one very determined character as far as Auchinleck Talbot are concerned and nothing I said could bring about a change of mind, so the upshot was I then had to contact Barry Ferguson, who was not best pleased at the transfer being called off at the eleventh hour.

"It grated with me as well considering I haven't started a game since our mid-October defeat by Glenafton in the Ardagh Glass Cup Final, but I'm under contract so there's nothing for it other than to knuckle down and do my utmost to earn a place in the gaffer's plans.

"I've loved my time at Auchinleck and nothing would please me more than to do myself justice in a Talbot jersey again - and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the opportunity comes against Port Glasgow on Saturday."

A deepening player crisis is also thought to have contributed to Gormley's proposed move getting the thumbs-down with Sloan resigned to losing Ayr United loan starlet Craig McCracken, who has been recalled by new Somerset Park boss Ian McCall, hard on the heels of Graham Wilson picking up a training ground knock and an X-ray revealing cornerstone defender Martin McGoldrick is likely to be sidelined for up to six weeks with his latest broken foot injury.

Taking no heed of Talbot's selection woes is Port boss Craig Brown, utterly convinced his young side - boosted by a 1-1 weekend draw with East Kilbride Thistle that stopped the rot following four defeats on the spin - are relishing the chance to lock horns with the record 10-time Holy Grail winners.

Bruno said: "Auchinleck are undoubtedly one of the most feared cup opponents to come up against, but my players are in a positive frame of mind and are looking forward to the game.

"It's not that long ago we went toe to toe with Irvine Meadow in the West and played really well despite a somewhat flattering 4-0 scoreline in their favour, and I believe a similar performance would stand us in good stead on Saturday.

"Tommy Sloan showed us every respect in taking in our game against EK, but it's doubtful whether he learned too much as our three new signings - former Largs Thistle goalkeeper Ian Nixon and ex-Greenock pair Kevin Mackay and Jamie McKenna - served up outstanding debut performances, however both Mackay and McKenna are cup tied."

The Central Second Division's two other surviving cup hopefuls - Johnstone Burgh and league leaders Rossvale - are likewise determined to prove they are not out of their depth in taking on Lesmahagow and Musselburgh Athletic respectively.

The Rab Irving-steered Gow are formidable opponents on their own Craighead Park, where they have lost only one game all season, while Rossvale will need to rid themselves of the defensive lapses that saw three goals conceded in the final 15 minutes of last Saturday's 4-3 victory against St Roch's.

Boss Martin Lauchlan said: "We badly missed Rhys Donaldson (injured)and Craig McReadie (wedding), and their return will tighten us up. However, Rhys remains a doubt and we may look to bring in an experienced stopper if he doesn't make it."