The former Hearts and Dumbarton star served up a sensational showing in netting all of his side's goals to seal a memorable 5-3 New Coin Holdings Cup victory over Larkhall Thistle.

The 25-year-old said: "I can recall bagging four goals on a couple of occasions but never five so this is a first for me.

"But in all fairness I was only applying the finishing touches to all the good work of my team-mates, particularly Brett Agnew who set up at least two of my goals."

Glens manager Willie Harvey heaped praise on McLaughlin in saying: "He was quite sensational but truth is he and Brett just continued where they left off in terrorising the Scotland Juniors defence last midweek.

"There is still room for improvement in facets of his game but I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if the Scotland manager Keith Burgess decides to have a look at Denis if news of him scoring five goals reaches his ears.

"I know he's Irish born but if memory serves me right he wouldn't be the first player of another nationality to represent Scotland at Junior level."

Harvey is hoping his wealth of striking riches can ruin the unbeaten record of this week's opponents Ardrossan Winton Rovers who visit the Glens at the Clyde Gateway Stadium with just a point advantage in the league standings.

A severe test of his side's promotion mettle is in prospect but former goalkeeper Harvey is taking confidence from his players boasting a 100% record in their home games to date.

He said: "If we play like we did in our last league match when losing 4-1 away to Renfrew then the points are as good as lost.

"But in the strikers' current form I feel we can cause havoc to any defence and I'll be very disappointed if we don't grasp this opportunity to leapfrog over Winton Rovers in the table.

"At home we have shown a different mentality to our approach on the road and I just hope the players can continue in a similar vein come Saturday afternoon.

"Picking up three points will not be easy as I've every respect for the job Jim Geddes has done in making the Winton extremely hard to beat since taking over during the close season.

"However, these are games we must make sure that we are winning to keep our promotion hopes alive."