John Queen insists he has no fears about Cumbernauld United's ability to hit the target now that seasoned strike pair Paul McLaughlin and Chris Zok are finally teaming up.

The early signs have been promising for Super First Division outfit United who sit third-top of the standings after taking 13 points from six games, yet the boss reckons their return would have been even better had he the firepower of the goalscoring duo to call upon.

There were high hopes for the partnership after Zok arrived at Guy's Meadow from Renfrew during the close season but he and United's top scorer from last season, McLaughlin, have yet to team up in a competitive match.

That's in no small part down to the ex-Vale of Clyde, Rutherglen Glencairn and Petershill front man's eight-match ban carried over from last season.

He was free to return in the local derby against Kilsyth Rangers 10 days ago but, as luck would have, it Macca was struck down with food poisoning which duly delayed his eagerly awaited comeback until last Saturday's home game with Ashfield ... and he hit both goals in a 2-0 victory.

Even then, United supporters were denied the opportunity of watching their much vaunted forward line pair in action because Zok was serving the last of a three-match ban imposed for being sent off in a pre- season friendly.

Queeny said: "Paul did exceptionally well against Ashfield considering his long spell on the sidelines and it's exciting to think about having both him and Chris available.

"Any team at Super First level would love to boast a strikeforce of their capabilities and hopefully they can live up to our expectations by weighing in with plenty of goals in the weeks ahead."

He went on: "What is really encouraging for me as manager is the fact we have other players who have goals in their locker as well.

"Dominic O'Halloran and Joe McCafferty are no slouches while the teenagers who have come in, Ross Foley and Jake Fitzgerald, can take a lot of credit for our promising early season results and performances."

An interested onlooker at the weekend contest was recently released Kilbirnie Ladeside stopper Lee McShane.

It might have looked like he was innocently watching his former club Ashfield in action. However, terracing whispers reckoned he might be on United's transfer radar given they made a signing approach prior to him joining the Blasties.

Queeny said: "Lee is an experienced defender who we'd have loved to bring on board early days but his turning us down has led to the emergence of Danny Boyle, Ryan Haxton and Craig Stewart as a strong defensive unit which we have no designs on breaking up."

Another Super First Division side, Rutherglen Glencairn, are in friendly action tonight (Clyde Gateway Stadium, 7pm) against Bellshill Athletic.