Kilbirnie are on the verge of pulling off a sensation by signing Scotland Juniors striker Iain Diack from Linlithgow Rose.

The determination of joint bosses Stephen Swift and Mark Crilly to strengthen the Blasties squad has seen them linked with audacious transfer approaches for a number of leading Junior and Senior names.

Not all were successful and the disappointment at losing out on Carlo Monti after protracted negotiations led to the duo channelling their efforts into a swoop for Diack - even though he had only moved to the East Region giants from Pollok in February.

The 33-year-old has not had the best of times at Prestonfield and even his goal that saw Rose beat rivals Bo'ness United 2-1 to win the Fife and Lothians Cup in June could not silence rumours that the writing was on the wall for him.

New boss Danny Smith's close-season acquisition of his former Camelon marksman Kevin Kelbie provided even more encouragement to prospective buyers and Kilbirnie followed up with a signing bid.

Diack is expected to complete paperwork formalities at Kilbirnie today allowing the Swift/Crilly partnership to wrap up moves to land the hitman's former Linlithgow and Rob Roy team-mate Stevie Meechan.

They face stern competition for the former Motherwell midfield general's signature as Super Premier rivals Irvine Meadow are also chasing his signature, with Stevie Rankin reputedly in talks with Meechan last night.

Swift said: "Mark and I played with Iain at Pollok so we appreciate what he can bring to the team.

"If there are no last-minute hitches, then our supporters will get a first look at him on Saturday in our Robbie Glen tournament opener against Kilwinning Rangers.

"We are optimistic that Meechan can be unveiled at the same time."

Blasties will also parade their other newcomers - Chris Wilson and Josh Horne - and there is a chance a new goalkeeper could make his debut.

Dalry Thistle and Rutherglen Glencairn are the other sides involved in the event.

Largs Thistle take on Linlithgow Rose in a friendly on Saturday (2.30pm). It is a rerun of the 2010 Junior Cup Final, won 1-0 by the East Region big guns.

Theesel have been adding to their squad in a bid to win promotion to the Super League Premier Division.

Boss Sandy Maclean said: "Three or four experienced types have gone out the door but replacements have arrived in Mark Murray (ex-Rob Roy and Winton Rovers), Sean Pierce, back for a second spell at Barrfields after playing with Cumnock and Kilbirnie, Alan Frizzell (Dumbarton) Jamie McDonald (Greenock HSFP) and former Senior goalkeeper Ryan McWilliams.

"They are all champing at the bit to get playing action on Saturday and our supporters will be every bit as keen to get a first look at them."

Also in North Ayrshire on Saturday, Beith line up against a Rangers XI at Bellsdale Park (2pm).