Largs Thistle coaches Colin Lindsay and David McLelland could provide valuable insider information about Johnstone Burgh leading into this Saturday’s Scottish Cup challenge.

Colin was a former manager of Johnstone, and David has also coached the under 21s team, and is very familiar with some of the current crop of players in the side.

David, 51, said: “I coached the under 21s for a number of years. In essence, it is like a home game for the two of us, and we both went to school at Johnstone High, and we played all our cup semi finals and finals at Keanie Park over the years.” David, who joined Thistle as assistant coach against Oakley in the Scottish Cup just over a year ago, is quietly confident heading into the big match.

He said: “There have been a few more players back at training after injury, and it has been very upbeat, and a good tempo. There is competition for places, which is healthy. We are well aware of what Johnstone Burgh have got to offer, and I coached some of their better players including Johny McStay, who featured for Largs Thistle at the start of last season.

“Since I joined a year ago, one of the things I highlighted was that we had to improve upon the midfield. I am not taking personal credit but pointed out that it was a problem. We have a better balance with attacking midfielders, and those who are prepared to sit in.

“The first few weeks of the season we started well, drawing 5-5 and Beith and only lost 1-0 at Kilbirnie, and then went on to win 4-1 against Scottish Cup champions Hurlford. We are returning to our early season form. Young players like Nicky Jamieson, Creag Little and Alan Frizzell have now stepped up to the plate, and they are making it harder for the older players to get into the team - that is a good thing for the manager.”