POLLOK manager Jim Sinnett's preparations for the new season were dealt a blow today when it was revealed central defender Derek Heaton may have to quit.

Heaton broke an arm in last weekend's 2-0 defeat of Armadale, and it was expected he would be out of action for about four weeks.

However, reports say he may now have to call time on his career on the recommendation of specialists.

That would be a huge loss to the Super Premier champions but, even if Heaton is forced to retire, striker Robert Downs still thinks Lok are the team to beat.

He insists the spirit in the camp is as good as ever, despite the summer departures of manager Rab Sneddon and internationals Brian McKeown, Gary Wilson, Raymond Logan, Paul Hyslop and Zander Ryan.

Sinnett's men entertain Bonnyrigg in their third and last pre-season warm-up tomorrow, but Downsy is convinced he and his team-mates are not far away from being fully tuned up.

He said: "Having 15 of last season's squad stay on has resulted in there being no great upheaval and we're looking fairly settled.

"Yes, we've lost some quality players, but Jim Sinnett has brought in guys of every bit as high a standard in Andy Essler, Derek Wingate and Calum Hardie.

"And getting Robbie McKillop on board adds both competition and cover for the goalkeeper's jersey.

"We're certainly slimmed down from before, but I don't believe these changes have weakened us in any way."

Last season saw Downsy enjoy his best-ever scoring return and he is hoping to beat his 24-goal tally.

He added: "The key is staying injury-free as well as getting a regular run. Last time it was Bryan Dingwall and myself who got the nod more times than most, however there is no guarantee things will stay the same under Jim as he might prefer combinations involving Davie Turnbull and Alan Waddell."

Elsewhere, Central First Division pair Johnstone Burgh and St Anthony's are taking part in notable friendly matches tomorrow.

Burgh boss George Walker leads his side up to Glenrothes for a head-to-head marking the 40th anniversary of the Keanie Park outfit's 4-2 Scottish Cup success against the Fifers. Travelling on the team bus will be Burgh's 1968 cup-winning skipper Bobby Dick.

The Ants are bound for Meadowbank Stadium after being invited by Edinburgh City to play in the Stuart Black Memorial Cup.

Looking a definite starter for the Govan side is latest signing Paul Carr, formerly of Hurlford, whose decision to release the player was influenced by their midweek signing of Kevin Deeney from Glenafton.

Also reckoned to be on the verge of a move away from Loch Park is one-time Irvine Meadow and Morton striker Stephen Whalen, set to drop down three divisions and join another of his previous clubs, Craigmark.

Glens boss Gordon Dalziel is apparently willing to let Whalen go as he pursues an interest in Airdrie United's recently-released front man David Gillies, who is also thought to be on the signing radar of his former club, Auchinleck, as well as arch-rivals Cumnock. Results & Fixtures

LAST NIGHT Friendlies: Arthurlie 3 Partick Thistle 0, Vale of Clyde 5 Hamilton XI 1, Dunipace 0 Linlithgow 3.

TOMORROW

Friendlies: Annbank v Glencairn, Harthill Royal v Shotts, Largs v Greenock, Musselburgh v Beith, Pollok v Bonnyrigg Rose, St Andrews v Kilsyth, Glenrothes v Johnstone Burgh, Blackburn Utd v Wishaw, Renfrew v Irvine Meadow, Tayport v Arthurlie, Livingston Utd v Larkhall Thistle, Irvine Vics v Vale of Leven.

Shettleston Tournament. Semi-finals: Shettleston v Hurlford Utd, Kilwinning Rangers v Clydebank (at Greenfield Park).

SUNDAY

Shettleston Tournament.