Largs Thistle are looking forward to welcoming back Ryan McCreath to the fold after missing the start of the season due to injury.

McCreath, who signed from Yoker at the start of last season, has been a big miss over recent months, and is now back in contention.

The injuries have been clearing up, with midfield dynamo Lewis Davidson returning on Saturday against Hurlford, along with skipper Scott Adam.

David McGrath in midfield has been absent due to knee injury but is also due back soon.

That only leaves Liam Lapsley, who has had a cartilage injury and is still another three to four weeks from returning.

Manager Davidson is delighted to see more competition in the squad as Largs look for back to back home wins, against Glenafton this Saturday, after overcoming Hurlford United 3-1 on Saturday to move into eight position in the West of Scotland Premier Division.

And he has warned his players to be up for this Saturday against Glenafton who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Irvine Meadow at Loch Park, and sit at a lowly 15th in the 16 team league, with Auchinleck Talbot surprisingly sitting at the foot of the table.

Davidson said: "We have played Glenafton enough times over the years to know that they are very tough opposition, and we need to be well prepared.

"It was very good performance against Hurlford; and great to get the three points at home, it is maybe something we haven't done enough of at home this season.

"I thought we scored three very good goals, we all linked very well together, with good moves.

"It was a really solid display - one thing when you play Hurlford is that you have to want it more than them, as they are very competitive and well drilled, and I think we did that, and we added the quality for the goals.

"The three forwards caused a lot of problems and when the moments came they really took care of them.

"Darryl Duffy has got the experience and you can see Will Sewell and Rambo (David Ramsay) are playing off him and learning from him as well, and you bring Addy (Scott Adam) who does a great job when he comes on.

"For the goal we conceded, the ball over the top looked like it was in control and our keeper Joe Wilton gets there and kicks it and it was a bit of misfortune.

"The good thing about it was we didn't panic, we actually took the game back to Hurlford and we got the third goal, which I thought was deserved.

"Sean McLeod at right-back likes to get forward and he put a great ball across for Will to score to make it 3-1.

"We have been getting into decent areas but just not finishing things off up till now; I thought we were a lot more positive and direct against Hurlford, and that is testament to the players as they all had a good week of training behind them.

"I knew they had the determination and they carried it into the game and it was good to see.

"There were lots of positives to take, and you look at the boys who didn't get on, and there is a real competition back in the squad, and the performance sets a statement that they have to earn their place to get back into the team."

Largs Thistle are preparing for two big cup clashes too over the coming weeks, including Ashfield away in the Scottish Junior Cup on October 7, closely followed by a trip to Jeanfield Swifts in Perth in the South Challenge Cup on October 14.

Davidson said: "We actually played Jeanfield in a friendly a few years ago in pre-season and they have a really good set-up and we are under no illusions that that is going to be a tough one. It is good to get a wee away day through to Perth and I know the boys will be up for that one.

"Glenafton are always a tough team to play against and hopefully we can build up a run going int the big cup games, and get another home victory."

Next Game: Saturday, September 30, West of Scotland Premier Division, Largs Thistle v Glenafton, 2pm kick-off at Barrfields Park.

Photo: Ryan Scott Photography