GLENCAIRN co-bosses Scott Smith and Willie Patterson are rallying their squad ahead of tonight's Sectional League Cup last eight clash at Lanark United.

The Glens have not enjoyed the best of luck when visiting the Moor Park outpost in recent seasons, but that has not stopped their management duo approaching the tie in defiant mood.

Despite highly-rated hitman Martin Gallagher being nowhere near full fitness as he battles back from injury and the absence of Paul Quinn (holiday) and John-Paul Craig (suspension), seasoned campaigner Smith says his players are up to the task of spiking hot favourites Lanark's guns on their own patch.

He said: "Ideally, Willie and I would have liked another week to get everyone fully tuned up, but nobody should think we are sending out an under-strength side.

"We have more than enough quality players capable of rising to the challenge.

"Going up against Lanark is always a difficult game and, by all accounts, Tam McDonald has them playing better than last season but then we're a much-improved team as well. So, while having every respect for their strengths, we are not afraid of them in the slightest."

Glencairn warmed up for tonight's showdown with a 3-1 weekend Newlandsfield friendly defeat at the hands of West Region big guns Pollok which Smith reckons acted as a terrific morale- boost for his playing charges.

He added: "We gave as good as we got for almost an hour and that's no mean feat against a team of Pollok's undoubted abilities.

"Stephen McGladrigan once again demonstrated his goalscoring abilities by netting our goal and most definitely posed a few problems for Rab Sneddon's team.

"Defensively, we looked solid until they penned us back in the final third of the game and, inevitably, the quality of Bryan Dingwall saw us well and truly punished.

"That said, it was a superb exercise and both Willie and I share the belief that if we can match up against the likes of Pollok then we shouldn't fear anyone."

Lanark rested no fewer than six players against Royal Albert yet were still able to maintain their 100% playing record after a Gareth Davies counter secured a 1-0 victory.

Definitely in line for recalls are close- season signings John Osborne and Kevin McCluskey who are showing all the makings of a prolific striking partnership.

Another intriguing duel is on the cards in the all-Super Premier clash of Shotts Bon Accord and Petershill at Hannah Park.

The Peasy, who have offloaded experienced midfielder Jim Dick to Shettleston, have injury concerns over Alex Burns and Gerry Joyce, while the home team, unusually without a competitive fixture in the last fortnight, should be close to full strength.

Shotts boss Stan Murdoch may yet have a new signing to throw into the cauldron as he is credited as being hot on the trail of skilful Blantyre Vics midfielder Andy Dorrans.

The player has handed in a transfer request with Castle Park gaffer Willie Harvey reluctantly putting the former Tower Hearts ace up for sale this week. TONIGHT

(6.45pm)

Central District Sectional League Cup. Quarter- finals - Rob Roy v Port Glasgow, Arthurlie v Clydebank, Shotts v Petershill, Lanark v Glencairn.

Ardagh Glass Cup. Quarter-final - Irvine Meadow v Kilbirnie. LAST NIGHT

Ardagh Glass Cup. Quarter-finals - Largs 0 Hurlford 0 (Largs win 4-2 on pens), Cumnock 4 Annbank 2.