KILBIRNIE co-bosses Steven Swift and Mark Crilly have challenged their players to overcome the shock eve-of-season departure of experienced frontman Michael Moore.

One-time Accies, St Johnstone and Stranraer hitman Moore has opted to call time on his playing career and broke the news to former team-mate Swift on Tuesday evening ahead of a friendly joust with St Roch's and only a matter of days before the Blasties get their competitive season underway with an Ardagh Glass Cup opener against Dalry Thistle.

Kilbirnie ran out 5-2 winners against the Candy Rock through goals from Matty Bennett, Chris Wilson, Chris Malone, Chris Craig and Stevie Meechan on his debut. However, it was Moore's quit decision that preoccupied Swifty afterwards.

He said: "Michael is a wholehearted and honest type who feels he hasn't been doing himself or the team justice with his performances and his frustrations were clearly apparent when he was substituted at half-time in last Saturday's game against Johnstone Burgh.

"Both Mark and I had an inkling that something was brewing with Michael but it still came as a surprise when he announced his retirement and then made it patently obvious he is not for changing his mind," he added.

"We are disappointed, but it's an amicable parting and he leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Kilbirnie Ladeside."

Moore's heralded reinstatement to the Junior ranks just over a year ago has been anything but an unmitigated success and Ladeside's recent signing of Iain Diack had sparked rumours that the 33-year-old was on the way out of Valefield.

But Swift insisted: "Diack was never intended as a replacement for Michael and we had a first look at them as a pairing against Burgh.

"They gave us food for thought by the manner in which they combined at times, but Michael's calling it a day has ended any notion of them forming a partnership."

There is no let-up on the Junior transfer front with former Rob Roy winger Owen Ronald (son of Rabs No.2 Paul Ronald) agreeing terms to join Cumnock, while Largs Thistle have snapped up young Morton defender Nicky Jamieson and Rutherglen Glencairn have won the race to sign Shettleston's transfer-listed striker Steven McLung.

Auchinleck Talbot boss Tommy Sloan is staying tight-lipped over whether contract offers will be made to recent Talbot trialists Gordon Dick and Kevin Finlayson.

Finlayson's availability may interest promoted Super Premier outfit Shotts Bon Accord, whose desire to beef up their midfield has led to ex-Lanark United midfielder Grant Cuthill being invited to pre-season training at Hannah Park.

Two clubs without a competitive fixture this weekend - Cambuslang Rangers and Rob Roy - have arranged to meet in a friendly at Somervell Park (kick-off 2.30pm).

It has also been confirmed that Renfrew will have the use of Keanie Park for their Euroscot Eng Sectional League Cup opener against Port Glasgow.