FLEDGLING team boss Kevin O'Neil today tipped his new signing Charlie Hobbs to be a roaring success at Maryhill.

The flying winger, who also played at Beith and Arthurlie, has raised eyebrows by dropping down a flight to join the Super First Division strugglers, for whom he debuted in the 2-1 weekend defeat by Largs Thistle.

His introduction off the bench may have failed to bring about the desired outcome, but O'Neil is utterly convinced Hobbs will provide a much needed injection of real firepower which he hopes will help ease relegation fears.

"Charlie's direct running at you style of play is every defender's worst nightmare," said the Hill gaffer.

"Both Robert Anderson and I hated coming up against his electric pace in our own playing days so we did not hesitate to move for him once there was an inkling he wanted away from Beith.

"He's had a succession of niggling injuries which has kept him out of action for 18 months.

"But, at only 27, his best years are in front of him and we've no doubts he can go on to score a lot of goals here once his match fitness gets up to scratch."

Losing out to Largs may have resulted in Maryhill slumping to second bottom in the table.

But a defiant O'Neil has urged his playing charges to respond by picking up all three points in this Saturday's home clash with bottom club, Johnstone Burgh, and send out a message that the fight to avoid relegation is about to begin in earnest.

He said: "We have concentrated on trying to instil good habits and there should be no grey areas now as everyone knows what their job is in given situations.

"We've also had the opportunity to assess the overall strength in depth of our playing squad and we are looking to bring in players.

"Charlie and Chris McKee are already on board and talks are ongoing in the hope of more players arriving in due course."

A second signing raid on Neilston could be on the cards as Ross Currie is believed to be one of those on O'Neil's radar as he looks to strengthen his defensive options, after losing out to Hurlford for the signature of transfer listed Auchinleck Talbot centre-back Scott McKie.

He may also approach ex-Maryhill front man Lee Sichi, as Clydebank have stated their willingness to listen to offers for him as well as classy midfielder David Carr, previously of Larkhall Thistle.

Meanwhile, yet another hitman with a Lochburn background, Brian Watrett, who is on Bells-hill's transfer list, would appear to have ruled himself out of a move back to his former club in favour of joining a Rutherglen side soon to be bereft of last term's top scorer Stephen McGladrigan, who wants to leave.

His availability is sure to attract attention and might yet entice a swap deal from Bellshill gaffer Tam McDonald.

He was disappointed when his own No.1 target Jamie Docherty elected to put pen to paper for Renfrew in the wake of being offloaded for a nominal fee by Arthurlie.

The lure of teaming up with ex-Dunterlie coach Martin Ferry, now Frew co-boss, is believed to have influenced the Doc's surprise decision to drop down a flight. CUMNOCK manager Campbell Money's interest in Arthurlie's John Bradford has cooled, but he has now turned his attentions to the striker's Lie team-mate Craig Baxter.

Money took in the Barrhead outfit's 1-0 weekend defeat by Irvine Meadow when it seems he was running the rule over Amo. SATURDAY'S CARD

(1.45pm unless stated) Citylink Scottish Cup. Fourth round - Lesmahagow v Maybole, Linlithgow v Cumnock, Lochore Welfare v Newtongrange Star. Fourth round replays - Whitletts v Ballingry Rovers, Sauchie v Lochee Utd, Pollok v Tayport, Rob Roy v Musselburgh (1.30pm).

Whyte & Mackay Cup. 1st round - Dalry v Glenafton.

Stagecoach Super Premier - Shotts v Irvine Meadow, Arthurlie v Beith, Auchinleck v Kilsyth, Bellshill v Neilston.

Stagecoach Super First - Clydebank v Kilwinning, Vale of Clyde v Troon, Annbank v East Kilbride, Kilbirnie v Largs, Maryhill v Johnstone Burgh.

Stagecoach Ayrshire District - Craigmark v Kello, Girvan v Muirkirk, Ardeer v Lugar, Saltcoats v Irvine Vics, Hurlford v Winton Rovers.

Stagecoach Central District First - Port Glasgow v Larkhall, St Anthony's v Benburb, Yoker v Glencairn, Ashfield v Blantyre Vics, Cumbernauld v Dunipace, St Roch's v Lanark.

Stagecoach Central District Second - Shettleston v Thorniewood, Forth v Stonehouse, Vale of Leven v Cambuslang, Carluke v Greenock, Royal Albert v Wishaw.