SHETTLESTON boss Hugh Kelly has dismissed suggestions his side may have bitten off more than they can chew with a demanding pre-season friendly fixture list against Super Premier opponents.

Last week's home game against Broxburn Athletic was followed on Saturday by a trip to meet Troon at Portland Park and tomorrow night sees Town return to Ayrshire to take on reigning West Region champs Auchinleck Talbot.

But the confidence derived from following up an excellent 4-1 win over Broxburn by pushing Troon all the way in a 2-1 loss has Kelly eager to put his players to the test again.

He said: "All along it has been our intention to prepare for the new season with a tough line-up of games rather than taking an easier option.

"The guys showed we had every right to think of ourselves as a good team with our result against Broxburn.

"However, I had an even bigger smile on my face after we gave Troon a real run for their money. Nobody likes losing but we can't be too disappointed with going down by the odd goal as it was difficult not to be impressed by the quality of their players, both collectively and individually.

"Auchinleck is arguably a step up in class again but I'm feeling optimistic we can go there and give another decent account of ourselves."

Kelly's biggest concern is getting enough of his best players to Ayrshire in time.

He admitted: "Initially I had hoped to play Auchinleck on a Saturday but the only available date was this Wednesday, which brings the added worry of getting players away from their work in time to get down there for a 7pm kick-off.

"The likelihood is we might have to start without one or two regulars, which isn't ideal. We were already missing goalkeeper Gavin Wallace, who is a policeman and is on Commonwealth Games duty.

"Brian McEwan is another non-starter as his foot injury picked up towards the end of last season is showing no sign of clearing up and he could be missing until September.

"On the upside, Rikky McIntosh is over an ankle knock and Scott Anson is available again after he missed the Troon game to attend a family wedding. Another bonus was Kyle Brown managing a substitute appearance in the final half hour against Troon. His physical prowess has been badly missed."

In other Wednesday games, Tony McInally's Pollok will welcome Vale of Clyde for their first game this summer at Newlandsfield while across the city Ashfield face Largs Thistle. An intriguing contest on Thursday night sees St Roch's take on St Anthony's at the James McGrory Stadium.

Counters from Paul Roan, Gary Stewart and an own goal gave the Candy Rock a 3-2 weekend win over a youthful Queen's Park XI for their first win under Andy Cameron.

The new boss said: "We've used seven players in pre- season games and a lack of continuity has been apparent.

"On Saturday we whittled it down to a 16-man squad and the improvement was there for all to see. Now we want to try to build on that win.

"It won't be easy as Ants are a higher league side."