Published: Friday, 19th March, 2010 1:52pm

THIS IS IT! LARGS TAKE ON MEADOW IN CUP CRACKER

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Largs Thistle boss Sandy MacLean is keeping his cards close to his chest concerning his forward line for Saturday's barnstormer of a Scottish Cup clash away to the Irvine Meadow.

It is a 2.30pm kick-off at Meadow Park for the mouthwatering quarter final of the Emirates Junior Cup as Thistle look to make it to only their second semi-final appearance of the national tournament in their history.

Meadow are being touted as favourites for the tournament. Manager Sandy MacLean said: "We have already beaten Meadow down there this season and we are going to have to do it all over again. We want to prove it was no fluke. Of course, we can win it. I don't know if it is advantageous for us to be seen as the underdog. It is not an easy task as they are the Ayrshire Champions and they are a very talented side. They are a fantastic club but we have every right to think we can go down there and get a result. You don't need to motivate the players or the fans for a game like this."

Sandy has gone for a tried and tested formula up front in recent matches with Willie McClure and James Marks upfront but would not say who he would pick in the forward berths for Saturday's do or die clash.

Sandy said: "Both Willie and James play very well together. The last time we were at Irvine Meadow, Graham Black and Andy Monaghan started upfront and gave Meadow a torrid time of it. Then you have John-Paul Dow who is also a great asset to have."

It has been an amazing journey for Sandy and his players as they have moved from a middle of the First Division club to a Premier team beating some Junior giants this season in the likes of Meadow and Pollok. But Sandy wants the good times to continue.

He pointed out: "We have worked hard to get to this stage of the tournament but we don't want to be walking away from this season and say - that was a good season reaching the quarter finals. We want to go further in the cup."

From the dressing room, striker Willie McClure said: "The players are hungry and want to do something special this season."