EXPERIENCED striker Keir Milliken is hoping to steer Scotland to glory in a home nations event after being called up by his country for the first time.

The former Auchinleck Talbot targetman is one of four Beith players to be included in the squad for next month's Umbro Quadrangular Tournament in Glasgow, along with fellow forward David McKenna and defender Nicky Docherty, with Bellsdale Park frontman Ross" Archie! McPherson on standby in the squad assembled by national team manager Keith Burgess.

Also in the side is Kilwinning Rangers forward Bryan Boylan, who has been with the Abbey Park club for five seasons, with Scotland facing Republic of Ireland,

Beith on Saturday chalked up a third straight win to remain in top spot in the McBookie Super League Premier Division, defeating Clydebank 2-1, with Milliken and McPherson on target.

Former Scottish Junior Cup winner Milliken, who joined from Beechwood Park in the summer, is delighted with his side's form and relishing involvement in the Scotland squad.

He said: "It's a great honour to be called up and I'm delighted for my team-mates. Hopefully I can feature and help Scotland to win the tournament. "

Of his club Milliken said: We have started well and want to challenge for the league but we are only three games in. and there's a long way to go. It was good to score on Saturday and we are playing well. Things are going well and we have brought a few new signings on board. Ross has done well since coming and has scored a few goals. Fitness levels are good."

Manager Johnny Millar is encouraged his players have been recognised and said: "It's great for the boys and the club to be called up for Scotland.

Buffs on Saturday host Kilwinning Rangers and Millar expects a tough test.

The Abbey Park side won their opening two league fixtures but on Saturday suffered their first defeat, going down 2-1 to Pollok at Abbey Park.

Added Millar: "We have an opportunity to open up a gap at the top of the table but Chris Strain will be hoping his side can win because they would pull level with us."

Angry Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Sandy MacLean is punishing red card victims David Orr and Alan Muir following their shock 3-2 home defeat against Lugar Boswell Thistle.

He said: "The players will be fined by the club. You couldn't argue with the decisions. We had nine men for nearly 50 minutes and that made it very difficult for us. It was disappointing after we won the Irvine Vics match. We have a tricky match at Maybole on Saturday - like us they scored three goals at Irvine Vics. We must look to win it."