GAVIN FRIELS is today picking up the pieces of his footballing career following the devastating news that he faces up to a year on the sidelines.

Irvine Meadow marksman Frielsy picked up a niggling knee injury in a clash with Petershill goalkeeper Neil Parry back in late December and further aggravated it in a match against Arthurlie.

He received the prognosis he didn't want to hear when attending Ross Hall last Friday.

For once the prolific goalscorer has notched up a hat-trick he would much prefer not to have against his name - torn cartilage, torn medial ligament and every player's worst nightmare ... a torn cruciate.

The only fix is not going to be quick as he must now steel himself for going under the knife within the next eight weeks followed by anything from nine months to a year of recuperation.

But the 31-year old former Pollok and Auchinleck Talbot scoring legend is trying to remain upbeat and said: "It's not as bad as it sounds and if everything goes according to plan then I intend to be back playing by Christmas.

"Different injuries require different rehab programmes but the one constant is the sweat and hard work needed to get fully fit again and I'm certainly not going to shirk away from it."

Recalling how his injury woe occurred, he went on: "I felt my knee get a heavy jarring in the collision with big Parry and though feeling everything was not quite 100% right I played on for a bit and then had no hesitation in declaring myself fit to face Arthurlie seven days later "According to the specialist it is fairly common in this type of injury for the knee to be giving off the signal that nothing is seriously amiss.

"Well it didn't take long for me to discover everything was far from right because I had to come off early against Arthurlie after getting a sharp pain in the joint, though at the time I remember thinking it was only a twist.

"I just need to accept my lot and get on with it."

Meanwhile, one hears that the Irvine club's former defender Paul Hilland has returned to these shores from a six-monthsojourn in Australia and is currently training with one of his previous clubs, Arthurlie.

Elsewhere on the transfer front, experienced ace Brian Welsh (07983 768555) is for sale after Shettleston agreed to his request to be transfer-listed, while Maryhill have announced their willingness to listen to offers for 23-year old midfielder Leyton Slack.

Troubled Kilwinning Rangers have snapped up promising East Kilbride Thistle youngster Darren Moore, who is the son of Buffs No.2 Stevie Moore.

At Ayrshire District level, title challengers Lugar Boswell have appointed ex-Queen of the South and Auchinleck Talbot striker Jimmy McGuire to the role of general manager. SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(2pm unless stated) Scottish Citylink Cup. Fifth round: Thorniewood v Pollok, Rob Roy v Glenrothes, Auchinleck v Beith, Clydebank v Carnoustie, Montrose Rose v Petershill, Lanark v Newtongrange (2.15pm). Replay: Ashfield v Irvine Meadow (2.15pm).

Stagecoach Super Premier: Vale of Clyde v Cumnock, Neilston v Bellshill, Arthurlie v Glenafton.

Super First: East Kilbride v Kilbirnie, Hurlford v Shotts, Port Glasgow v Kilwinning, Kilsyth v Largs, Maybole v Annbank, Renfrew v Girvan.

Central First: Maryhill v Larkhall, Thorniewood v Cumbernauld, Vale of Leven v Lesmahagow, Cambuslang v Glencairn, Johnstone Burgh v St Anthony's, Yoker v Benburb.

Stagecoach Central Second: Wishaw v Dunipace, Shettleston v Blantyre Vics, Forth v St Roch's, Royal Albert v Carluke, Newmains Utd v Perthshire.

Stagecoach Ayrshire Division: Ardeer v Lugar, Dalry v Kello, Craigmark v Saltcoats, Muirkirk v Troon, Whitletts v Darvel, Irvine Vics v Winton Rovers.