THERE'S no option when you don't have a big transfer kitty, other than to delve into a chest marked cast-offs, loans and surplus to requirements.

Carluke Rovers boss Colin Slater took that very route during the summer and was rewarded with an absolute gem of a find in Ryan Smillie - judging by the striker's return of eight goals in just three competitive outings.

Smillie's outstanding early-season form makes him a certainty to form Carluke's attacking spearhead alongside former Queen's Park frontman Ian Watt in tonight's crunch "winner takes all" Section Two encounter at Wishaw.

The Cambusnethan-based ace is relishing being in the limelight - albeit with a fair degree of caution.

A year ago this month he was paraded as a Petershill newcomer of whom big things were expected following a high-profile transfer move from Kilbirnie Ladeside.

To say things did not go according to plan would be a massive understatement. Ryan was given limited chances to impress and by January had been allowed to train with Shotts Bon Accord whom he subsequently joined on loan prior to the transfer deadline.

He said: "I truly believed Petershill's passing football style would prove a dream move for me but I couldn't have been more wrong.

"My game was not suited to their 4-5-1 system and it only made matters worse that big Chris Mackie was banging goals in for fun and couldn't be left out of the team.

"The upshot was I ended up out of position, playing as a winger in what few starting appearances I had, before eventually dropping out of the picture altogether.

"I jumped at the chance to go on loan to Shotts for the last few games of the season and felt I did reasonably well despite only notching one goal in my time there.

"But nothing happened in terms of a signing approach other than the manager, Tam McDonald, inviting me in for pre-season training.

"By that time Carluke boss Colin Slater had been in touch and he wasted no time in agreeing a deal with Petershill so I decided to throw my lot in with him."

Shotts were made to pay for their hesitation when Smillie netted all three goals at Hannah Park last Saturday in a 3-1 Carluke triumph.

That followed on from him bagging a treble in the season's opener with Newmains United (7-0) and a brace against Forth Wanderers.

Smillie said: "I'm enjoying my football again and I put that down to playing regularly and for a manager who has given me a chance to shine.

"I'm feeling sharp and full of confidence so hopefully things stay this way."

Rovers gaffer Slater added: "Ryan has been Senior and has played for a number of big-name Junior clubs but there are no airs and graces about him and he's just an excellent guy to have around the place.

"We were keen on signing Ryan back when Kilbirnie were touting him around but Petershill got in first.

"He's now our player and the wait has been worthwhile as he and Ian Watt have been on fire since the League Cup section got underway.

"Hopefully they can continue their form against Wishaw tonight. It has all the makings of a great game as Wishaw are also boasting a 100% record."

"They have come on in leaps and bounds under John McKeown's management but this is probably the strongest side he has put together with very mobile forwards laced with experienced midfielders and defenders ."

Pollok's 32-year-old midfield general Willie Howie has been ruled out for the rest of this season after snapping the posterior and cruciate ligaments in his knee during his club's Euroscot Eng Sectional Cup opener against Neilston.

Lok boss Tony McInally said: "Losing someone of his stature and experience is a massive blow to our team plans but right now I'm more gutted for Willie himself.

"His is an injury that necessitates a long and extremely demanding recuperation period.

"But Willie is a battler and I've no doubts he will put in all the hard graft to get himself back playing again."

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES:

(Kick-offs 6.45pm)

Euroscot Eng League Cup. Section 2: Shotts v Newmains, Wishaw v Carluke.

Section 3: Shettleston v Bellshill, Thorniewood v Petershill.

Section 4: Vale of Clyde v Cambuslang, East Kilbride v Blantyre Vics.

Section 5: Neilston v Arthurlie, St Anthony's v Benburb.

Section 6: Maryhill v Ashfield, Clydebank v Perthshire.

Section 7: Port Glasgow v Johnstone Burgh (Keanie Park), Vale of Leven v Greenock.

Section 8: Dunipace v Rob Roy, Kilsyth v Cumbernauld.

Ardagh Glass League Cup. Section 1: Winton Rovers v Largs, Beith v Dalry, Kilwinning v Kilbirnie.

Section 2: Saltcoats v Ardeer, Irvine Vics v Darvel.

Section 3: Craigmark v Whitletts, Annbank v Girvan, Troon v Maybole.

Section 4: Glenafton v Auchinleck, Kello v Cumnock, Muirkirk v Lugar.