AMBITIOUS IRVINE MEADOW are set to strengthen their squad as they go all out for success after putting two players up for sale.

Striker Paul McLaughlin and back-up goalkeeper Andy Carlin are both on the transfer list as Meadow gear up for four crunch games which could have a major bearing on the Premier Division title race.

And it is hoped a new keeper could be in the squad in time for Saturday’s trip to Loch Park to face Ardagh Cup holders Glenafton Athletic, which is the first of four games which could have a major impact on the title race.

They play Ardagh Glass League Cup holders Glenafton Athletic on Saturday, before hosting KILBIRNIE LADESIDE seven days later. Stevie Rankin’s side will then be first foots against Scottish Cup conquerors, Auchinleck Talbot at Beechwood Park on January 3 before hosting Scottish Cup winners Hurlford United on January 10.

Rankin told Sporttimes: “It’s important at this time of the season to freshen up the squad and bring some new players in. Andy Carlin hasn’t been getting a regular game with Graeme Shepherd playing regularly and it has been disappointing with Paul McLaughlin as things have not worked out as I hoped. He hasn’t been able to play much because of work commitments. We are looking around for a striker and hope to have a goalie in for the weekend, I have someone in mind but can’t say amy more than that.

“It’s possible other new faces could also come in,” Rankin is relishing the trip to New Cumnock but expects a tough test.

He said: “They will be hurting after losing to Winton in the West of Scotland Cup at the weekend but they are a good side, winning the first trophy of the season and reaching the Scottish Junior Cup final last season. Tommy Bryce has a good manager and has them well organised but we are looking to win the game and keep our run going. The next few games could have a bearing on the league although they won’t define the season as it’s only December.” Meadow’s scheduled West of Scotland Cup tie away to Craigmark Burntonians was called off on Saturday owing to heavy rain after the Dalmellington club had refused to switch the match to Irvine.

Rankin said: “It was frustrating not playing as we had been trying to move the game for a couple of weeks. I think the pitch was playable by 1pm but it was called off at 10am.” Meanwhile striker Paul Maxwell, sidelined since August with a troublesome knee injury, goes under the surgeon’s knife on Thursday and that will determine when he can return to action.

IRVINE VICTORIA midfielder Stuart Hannah returned to training on Monday after being out for three weeks with a foot injury.

He will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s visit to second-placed Shettleston.

They went down 2-1 to the Glasgow side in the league opener in August but were unlucky to take nothing from the match.

Co-manager Stevie Wilson said: “We will be going into the game aiming to win it. Shettleston are going well but we knew they would be up there. I felt we played well against them at home and one of their goals came from a setpiece.”