AUCHINLECK and Irvine Meadow have suffered devastating injury blows ahead of their respective Scottish Junior Cup second-round ties on Saturday.

Ten-times trophy winners Talbot await news on midfield general Steven White, who broke and dislocated an ankle during the 6-0 hammering of Cumnock, and is due to undergo surgery to fit a supporting plate at Ayr Hospital tomorrow.

Medda - last season's beaten semi-finalists - are waiting to hear if frontman Paul Maxwell will play again this season an examination by a leading knee specialist revealed a severe tear to his calcaneofibular ligament.

Beechwood Park boss Tommy Sloan, whose side travel to Banks O'Dee on Saturday, said: "Everyone connected with this club wants Whitey to make a full recovery before even thinking about football matters.

"It's a blow to have to do without someone of his qualities who has played an integral role in the successes enjoyed by this club in recent years and there's no doubt his boots are going to take some filling."

Dejected Meadow gaffer Rankin admitted: "We had hoped to get confirmation of the specialist's diagnosis via an MRI scan, but Maxi's work commitments are delaying the process by a couple of weeks and we can do nothing but wait.

"Initial reports had us thinking he might be back playing before Christmas, but the specialist knows his stuff and reckons there is no chance of him pulling on the boots for at least six months.

"Replacing what he brings to the table will be difficult, but we do have Willie Sawyers free from suspension now and it is up to him, Paul McLaughlin and Chrissy Hall to show themselves capable of stepping up to the plate."

Rankin reports slight injury concerns over winger Josh Flood (ankle) and goalkeeper Andy Carlin (neck) ahead of hosting the visit of Benburb on Saturday.

He said: "Grant Evans returned to our defence in the 4-0 victory over Port Glasgow, so we are in decent shape, even though Mark McLelland is short of match practice after losing his place to Michael Keenan, who has been an absolute revelation in a right back role."

Meanwhile, tributes have flooded in for West Region treasurer, Davie McAlister, who died on Sunday after a long illness.

Davie gave excellent service as match secretary and treasurer at Yoker Athletic, before going on to become one of the most likeable and well-respected officials running the game in these parts, especially for the fantastic job he did in going out of his way to help out countless lower-league clubs down through the years.

Davie is survived by his wife, Helen, children David, Scott and Christine, and his grandchildren. His funeral service is at Daldowie Crematorium this Friday at 9.45am.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

2.30pm kick-offs

Scottish Junior Cup. Second round: Livingston Utd v Shotts, Carluke v Troon, Greenock v Newtongrange, Armadale v Fauldhouse, Blackburn Utd v Musselburgh, St Anthony's v Dunipace, Larkhall v Darvel, Kello v Glenrothes, Grantown v Bellshill, West Calder v Carnoustie, Arthurlie v Dunbar, Clydebank v Lossiemouth, Saltcoats v Maud, Largs v Sauchie, Dalry v Hermes, Pumpherston v Rob Roy, Bathgate v Blantyre Vics, Edinburgh Utd v Crossgates, Thorniewood v Kirrie Thistle, Buckie Rovers v St Andrews Utd, Rosyth v Hurlford, Newmains v Lochee Utd, Kennoway v Craigmark, Haddington v Linlithgow, Glenafton v Broxburn, Luncarty v Forfar Albion, Fraserburgh Utd v Rossvale, Whitburn v St Roch's, Cumnock v Newmachar, Aberdeen University v Dundonald, Forfar West End v Kelty, Dundee Violet v Maryhill, Portgordon v Banchory St Ternans, Port Glasgow v Ballingry, Burghead v Lugar, Longside v Yoker, Tayport or Cruden Bay v Bonnyrigg, Beith v Cumbernauld, Spey Valley v Aberdeen East End, Lesmahagow v Lochore, Kinnoull v Arbroath Vics, Downfield v Lochee Harp, Perthshire v Kilbirnie, Girvan v Neilston, Jeanfield v Bridge of Don, Pollok v Whitletts, Royal Albert v Shettleston, Newburgh v Camelon, Stoneywood v Deveronside, Nairn St Ninian's v Lewis Utd, Aniston v Vale of Clyde, Culter v Glencairn, Montrose Roselea v Irvine Vics, Penicuik v Maybole, Dyce v Forth, Girvan v Neilston, Bo'ness v Stoneyburn, Dalkeith v Kilwinning, Forres Thistle v East Craigie, Broughty Athletic v Stonehaven, Irvine Meadow v Benburb, Falkirk Juniors v Buchanhaven Hearts, Banks O'Dee v Auchinleck Talbot, Thornton Hibs v Kilsyth, Johnstone Burgh v Brechin Vics.

Stagecoach Central First: Ashfield v Lanark, Wishaw v Renfrew.

Central Second: Cambuslang Rangers v Vale of Leven.

Ayrshire District: Muirkirk v Winton Rovers (league games 2.0).