TONY McINALLY is hoping his Pollok players can turn on the style tomorrow and help him win the "Battle of the Ru'glonians" against Cumnock gaffer John McKeown.

Turns out the dugout rivals were once friends and neighbours growing up as football mad youngsters in adjoining Watson Avenue and Ewing Street close to the Royal Burgh's lush Overtoun Park oasis.

And though theirs is a long-standing relationship, one cannot help but feel it will need to be put on hold - at least for 90 minutes - until the crunch Scottish Junior Cup 4th Round showdown between their clubs is played out.

Macca revealed: "John is considerably younger than myself but was well known to me on account of him being very pally with my brother Chris and because our parents and his parents were often in each other's company.

"He was a very promising player in Rutherglen circles back then and his roots is the reason he acquired the nickname of "Big Ruggie " as a big solid centre-back with Stenhousemuir before injury forced him to hang up the boots prematurely and move into Junior coaching and management.

"He did an absolutely terrific job in reviving Wishaw's fortunes and thoroughly deserved the opportunity to take over the reins at Cumnock which has the makings of a very tough gig unless he gets time to put his own stamp on the playing side of things.

"We've spoken several times on the phone and I've given advice and my opinion when asked, however he knows better than to expect any favours at Newlandsfield tomorrow."

The 33-year-old Ayrshire team boss McKeown laughed: "Tony's record of success in the game speaks for itself and I often refer to him as the best Junior manager to come out of Watson Avenue!

"All joking aside, he was one of the first people to get in touch and offer his congratulations when I took over at Wishaw and it's no exaggeration to say he has gone out of his way to help me considerably ever since.

"And the job he's done at Pollok in raising them from the doldrums speaks volumes about his team-building and organisational abilities so I have nothing but the highest regard for him albeit I'm looking forward to our locking of horns tomorrow.

"We've prepared for a tough contest as Pollok are a Super Premier Division side in everything but name and that's borne out by most pundits rating them as strong favourites to come out on top even though Cumnock are the higher league team.

"My players are in good shape after taking a massive lift of confidence from a first win against Shotts Bon Accord and I fancy we can give Tony and his players a game of it.

"As an Ayr United player I was loaned out to Maybole when they silenced Newlandsfield with a shock Scottish Cup win and I would love to hear that noise again."

Word on the team front is that Pollok newcomers Ryan McCann and Dean Richardson are in contention for jerseys while Cumnock are without hard-hitting stopper Ryan Kennedy who is cup-tied with Wishaw.

Big Ruggie's replacement options include the introduction of like-for-like defender Keiron Woods or to reshuffle his midfield and restore recovering from injury ace Colin Williamson to his line-up knowing the 28-year-old is extra motivated from being part of the Shotts team managed by Macca that were 2012 Scottish Junior Cup winners.

The playmaker said: "Hopefully I've proved my fitness by training this week as I'm desperate to play a part in what is one of the biggest ties of the round and there's been a noticeable buzz in our dressing room.

"It doesn't intimidate me in the slightest to think of going up against Tony and all his backroom staff as well as my former Shotts team-mates Alan McKenzie and Tam Hanlon.

"Though we were such a close-knit bunch at Hannah Park that I would probably have to throw my telephone in the River Cart if Pollok have bragging rights at the final whistle.

"We are a relatively young side but I'm feeling more confident with every passing day that we can go there and give a good account of ourselves.

"We have taken massive strides forward under the gaffer and our recent performance levels have been really high so nobody should underestimate us."

Away from the cup, Cumnock's near-neighbours Glenafton have been rocked by the departure of midfield goalscorer Cameron Marlowe who has returned to his family home in Los Angeles ahead of the managerless Glens hosting the visit of Beith in a vital Super Premier Division clash.

The resignation of Tommy Bryce has tasked Glens officials with drawing up a shortlist of candidates to find a suitable replacement and it's believed one of the names under consideration is former playing legend Neil Scally.