HIGHLY-rated IRVINE MEADOW winger Gary McCann could be destined for the footballing big time as he is being eyed up by two SPFL Premiership clubs.

The 22-year-old, in his second season at Meadow Park, is training with Hamilton Accies this week and next week will be at St Mirren.

Meadow manager Stevie Rankin said: “I am delighted for Gary, he is a real hard worker and talented player. As well as being at Hamilton during the day on Monday he trained with me at night. Then next week he is at St Mirren. We signed Gary for Ashfield from boys club football before taking him to Meadow and Murdie MacKinnon, the assistant has worked very hard with him. It’s testament to Murdie that he has done so well.

“Hopefully we will have Gary her until the end of the season. I don’t know what will come of St Mirren or Hamilton but it would be a great opportunity for Gary if he was given the chance to play in the Premiership, He is one of the best players we have had in the last few seasons and works very hard on his game.” Meadow’s scheduled Super Premier Division match at Petershill was called off on Saturday as the pitch was covered in snow.

But as they have no competitive game scheduled this weekend, the Irvine side have fixed up a home friendly against Central League Yoker Athletic with the kick-off 2pm.

Rankin said: “I wasn’t surprised Saturday’s game was off but we needed a match this weekend to give players game time and hopefully weather permitting it will be on.” KILWINNING RANGERS co-boss Colin Stewart, meanwhile, is challenging his team to win the title after they swept aside Muirkirk a week after their Scottish Junior Cup defeat against Fauldhouse.

Buffs romped to a 9-1 win and remain ahead of ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS on goal difference at the top of the Stagecoach Ayrshire District League.

Stewart said: “We were looking for a reaction from the players and they certainly gave us that. Muirkirk came into the match a bit when they equalised but we dominated and it was great to score nine goals. We want to win the league and in the end it could come down to goal difference, we are 19 goals better off than Winton Rovers.” The co-manager was impressed with recent signing, former Airdrie and Irvine Meadow striker Willie McLaren.

He added: “It’s good to have a guy of Willie’s experience in the team and he did everything but score on Saturday.” Buffs on Saturday host Kello Rovers but Stewart insists they won’t have it all their own way.

He said: “Expectations are high for us and although we beat them 6-0 away in October, they are not a bad side. But our aim is to take three points,” Striker Ben Lewis is back in training after almost three months on the sidelines with ligament damage and should be back in action within a few weeks.

Meanwhile IRVINE VICTORIA striker Darren Baird has been transferred to Annbank United after being unable to command a regular starting place.

The Westenders on Saturday host an improving Largs Thistle side, Co-boss Stevie Wilson said: “Largs have been given a big lift after appointing Bryan Slavin as their manager and it was a good victory for them away to Ardeer Thistle at the weekend. A lot of teams are fighting for their lives and it’s an important game for us. We will be looking to take three points at home.” For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.