YOU won't find the four West Region managers leading their sides into Dyslexia Scotland Junior Cup quarter-final head-to-heads tomorrow talking up their chances of clinching a last-four spot.

And the experienced quartet are also in full agreement that only a fool would bet serious money on the outcome of the Hurlford United v Pollok and Shettleston v Auchinleck Talbot showdowns.

Even Lok boss Tony McInally, who predicted the Super First Division outfit's shock 3-1 victory over Hurlford in the New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup just two weeks ago, is refusing to accept his players now have the upper hand.

He said: "This is a different day, it's a different cup, a different venue and the likelihood is both Darren Henderson and I will field different line-ups and play different formations, so what is there to compare?

"I would love the same outcome, but attempting to get the better of the holders in their own backyard means we must play even better than we did in the West, so every Pollok player has to ready to produce a strong and collective performance.

"The upside is everybody is fit and raring to go, with the exception of the cup-tied Mark McLennan, and it's a massive boost to us having Ryan McBeth, Gary Wild and Kieron McAleenan back in the frame after missing our last two games through injury.

"They come into my thoughts on the back of our woeful display in losing at home to Glencairn last weekend, however it's also preying on my mind that the team who played are really hurting and desperate to make amends, so I just know there is a reaction to come from them.

"Whether we can do enough on the day remains to be seen, however there is no shame in taking Hurlford back to Newlandsfield."

The Ayrshiremen are strengthened by the return to fitness of playmaker Jamie Wilson, while a place could be found for David McClune, if he comes through tough training sessions without suffering any adverse reaction.

Henderson said: "A lot of people have said complacency led to our West defeat, but the honest truth is we were deservedly beaten by the better team on the day, and we know a massive improvement is required if we want to continue our defence of the trophy.

"Both Wilson and McClune are the kind of players who can determine the outcome of games and there's no doubt the mood in our camp is upbeat and a lot more positive for their return to the fray.

"Competing better than we did at Newlandsfield is essential, and there is a crying need for an attacking game of more substance than we showed that day. Pollok will probably be rated favourites and we expect a tough 90 minutes, but nobody at this club is running scared at the prospect."

Shettleston gaffer Hugh Kelly is wearing two hats as he prepares to welcome the Auchinleck hordes to Glasgow's famous East End venue.

His capacity as Social Club owner has him delighting at the thought of upwards of 500 Ayrshire fans needing to be fed and watered, however, he would love nothing better than to leave them crying into their beer at the final whistle.

The Town boss said: "I can understand being rated underdogs, but 19/5 against odds is more or less writing our chances off and I just hope my players feel as insulted as I do.

"Shettleston have overcome some decent sides to get into the last eight and our dreams of going further will depend to a large extent on how we handle the Talbot forward players like David Gormley and Keir Milliken, who are among the best in the game as well as the very obvious threat posed at set-pieces.

"The players have worked hard on that on the training pitch and it's vital we start the game well and not allow ourselves to be pegged back into our own penalty area."

Tommy Sloan has four winner's medals as Auchinleck gaffer and one as a player with Kilwinning, but he admits Talbot's away-day will be a "tough test of our mettle".

He admitted: "I'm pleased to be where we are and there are definite signs of us getting better, however we have a much younger side and dips in form are inevitable.

"Hopefully we can be on song tomorrow for what will be a real character test for the likes of Mark Shankland, Willie Boyd and Lee Cochrane, so I'll be looking for our more experienced heads to help them."

Sloan was giving little away about his team plans, but Graham Wilson and Steven White are rated non-starters, while concerns surround a knee injury sustained by Bryan Young during last Saturday's 3-0 victory over Shotts.

The talented wide player missing out could herald a return for Colin Spence, who has been on the bench for most of this season.