Calls remind Clydebank of their big day

against Aberdeen at their own wee ground.

The hectic schedule has stretched resources to the limit, but

secretary Ian Steedman yesterday avoided the one-game-at-a-time cliche,

especially after two incidents this week.

On Tuesday, the telephones were so red-hot with inquiries that most of

the administrative staff forgot until late afternoon that Bankies were

playing Cowdenbeath that night. Fortunately, the players did not and won

5-0.

At lunchtime yesterday, Steedman suddenly remembered he still had to

confirm the team bus for today's visit to Ayr. ''The telephone has

hardly stopped ringing all week, particularly with inquiries from

neutral supporters, because Aberdeen are the visitors. It would be daft

to say that the players will not have their minds on the cup while we

are at Ayr, but hopefully once the game starts, they'll just get on with

it.''

John Henry is struggling with a groin strain but Graham Hay should

return after injury.

Bankies' hosts Ayr United have concluded a deal worth #150,000 with

Southampton for 18-year-old centre-half Derek Allan to move to The Dell.

Not bad for a lad who was player-manager George Burley's first YTS

signing, and played only five first-team games for the club.

Meanwhile, the leaders, Raith Rovers, today entertain Kilmarnock -- a

side, surprisingly, considering the Fifers' record, who yet are to be

defeated by the men from Tommy Burns' country this season.

While Raith have a fully fit squad, Killie will miss Mark Skilling and

Dugald McCarrison because of flu. Craig Paterson will form a partnership

in defence with Ray Montgomerie for the first time since October 24, and

Calum Campbell may figure in attack.

Second-placed Dunfermline make the trip to Hamilton, another side

facing a do-or-die promotion effort. And while the Fifers' record at

home has not been good, that of Hamilton has been even worse -- only one

win at Douglas Park this year.

Dunfermline defender Neale Cooper is doubtful after having received a

head injury in midweek, and Norrie McCathie stands by. Hamilton will

rely on the squad who defeated Meadowbank in midweek.

St Mirren manager Jimmy Bone was delighted with his team's display

against Raith in midweek, and gives them a vote of confidence for the

difficult trip to face a Dumbarton side who are unbeaten in five games.

Morton, whose hopes of promotion are all but gone, are hosts to a

Meadowbank side under increasing pressure in the relegation zone.

The Greenock side will miss the services of Doug Johnstone and Rowan

Alexander, but defender Mark Pickering should be back after injury.

Stirling visit Central Park and the thing to watch here is whether

Cowden can gain their first home league victory in what has been a

disastrous first division campaign.

If the Fifers lose, they will be officially relegated.