Clydebank manager Budgie McGhie gave his thoughts on the Emirates draw and our start to the season in tonights Evening Times

BUDGIE McGHIE has insisted Clydebank deserve to be considered also-rans in the quest for Emirates Junior Cup glory.

The beaten finalists from last time out landed a winnable tie, albeit "one that comes into the tricky bracket" in Tuesday's third round draw ... away to Ayrshire District League outfit Craigmark.

But whereas Auchinleck Talbot, their Rugby Park conquerors last June are rated one of the boookies' favourites to get their hands on the silverware, you have to tab well down the rankings to find the 28/1 marked Bankies.

"That's no big deal especially as we were probably priced around the same odds at this stage last season," reflected Budgie.

"We can hardly complain given our very inconsistent form while there's just no way that anyone can truly make a comparison between the likes of ourselves and Auchinleck.

"Not only has Tommy Sloan kept his cup- winning side together, he has gone out and strengthened his playing squad from last year.

"We on the other hand have lost as many as 10 of the players instrumental in helping us go all the way.

"And without wanting to make excuses, we have suffered badly from a run of injuries that has seen us lose Gary Lynn, Stevie Dymock and John Jack for lengthy spells.

"As a consequence there has been an over-reliance on younger lads only brought in this season and our performances have been a bit up and down as a result.

"However the signs are looking good now that we're slowly but surely getting back to full strength.

"Playing to our capabilities I'd like to think we can get over this difficult hurdle and if we do then maybe the bookmakers will be forced to sharpen their pencils."

Ayrshire opponents are also on Budgie's immediate agenda with his Bankies side itching to take on Maybole at Holm Park after a weather-enforced break last weekend.

He said: "Maybole are one of the surprise packets in the Super First Division and you always have to perform to a decent standard to get a win against them.

"Last week's postponement of our scheduled game against Annbank was a blow given we were on a roll from stringing together three wins on the bounce. I just hope we can pick up where we left off."

 

 

As told to Jim O'Donnell http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2534712.0.juniors_budgie_believes_bankies_are_set_to_fly_once_again.php