PAUL FINNIGAN has been one of this term's success stories in the Super First Division just a few months after fearing his career may be over.

Eyebrows were raised by the 35-year-old defender's decision to call time on his five-year playing stint with Shotts Bon Accord at the end of last season after they clinched promotion to the Super Premier through a play-off victory over Rob Roy.

Ironically, it was defeated boss Stewart Maxwell who talked him out of retiral and bagged him for his team.

That has turned out to be a smart move for the Rabs, as Finny has helped to propel them to third-top spot in their division. They are six points behind leaders Pollok but with two games in hand.

Now they're looking forward eagerly to tomorrow's clash with Lok at Guy's Meadow in Cumbernauld, where they are playing "home" games while awaiting the construction of a new ground in Kirkintilloch.

Finny recalled: "Last season my performances were not of a good enough standard and I was in and out of Shotts boss Tam McDonald's plans.

"I had definite reservations about stepping up to the top Junior league and more than once the thought did cross my mind to hang up my boots.

"But deep down I felt I was still capable of hacking it at Super First level if I could play regularly and stay injury free.

"I let my thoughts be known to Rob Roy boss Maxi, who was a team-mate at Ashfield when I was loaned out as a teenage prospect with Dumbarton.

"He offered me the chance to come and play with his side. Making a fresh start appealed to me. The decision to give it a go is probably one of the best I've made in my career.

"I'm thoroughly enjoying my football again and everything is going well both from my and the team's perspective."

A backdrop to tomorrow's showdown sees ex-Rabs players Kevin Bradley, Alan Lindsay, Kieron McAleenan, and Marco Andreoni all being included in the Pollok squad.

Meanwhile, former Lok stars Jonathan Carter and keeper Johnny Murdoch are both set to feature for the home side.

But Finny has more reason than most to be hoping for bragging rights at the final whistle. He is desperate to put one over on his ex-Shotts team-mates Tam Hanlon and Alan McKenzie plus his Hannah Park coaching mentors Tony McInally, Brian Sheldon, Davie Whelan and Stewart Ralston.

The veteran full-back said: "I first played under Tony at Lanark United then he signed me when he took over at Cumbernauld United and again when he moved to Shotts.

"So I can only think it was his subtle way of telling me he thought my tea was out when he never tried to sign me for Pollok! But all joking aside, I had great times under Macca and his team at Shotts.

"He might be the frontman but the guys behind him all know their stuff.

"None more so than Stewart, who doesn't get enough credit for the work he does out on the training ground.

"They were all good for my career. Tony, in particular, was always encouraging me to get forward as a full-back.

"I would love to show him that all his coaching work has not been in vain by scoring against Pollok tomorrow."

Last night Rob Roy manager Maxwell insisted his players are good enough to maintain a strong challenge for the Super First Division title - but only if they can take tomorrow's visitors down a peg or two.

He said: "Pollok are looking a good bet to gain their rightful place among the big boys in the West Region's top flight.

"If they can hold on to their current form for the rest of the season then they will finish top.

"But that's easier said than done and the opportunity to dent their morale and give ourselves a massive shot of self-belief is now at hand. We have to try to grab it."

Maxi added: "I'm under no illusions about just how tough a test awaits us. But having players such as Finny, Murdoch, Davie Barr and Scott Upton at the top of their game fills me with confidence.

"We also have a potential matchwinner in Chris Duff, whose skills have to be seen to be believed.

"Plus a young goalscorer of great potential in Stevie Aitken who is finally finding his feet at Junior level. He'll relish taking part in this big game.

"I have a dressing room full of players who are all eager to be involved but I can only pick 11 of them to start and it has to be the right ones. But I can't wait for the kick-off."

Pollok gaffer McInally was giving little away about his own selection thoughts when I spoke to him but the return of McKenzie after suspension will increase his attacking options.

And a place may be found on the bench for left-back Ryan Scanlon, who was reinstated from Montrose this week after an earlier spell at Ross County.

Meanwhile, Lok's young midfielder Thomas Clark has gone out on loan to Lanark United.

TOMORROW'S FIXTURES

(2pm kick-offs)

Stagecoach Super Premier: Beith v Clydebank, Glenafton v Auchinleck, Hurlford v Cumnock, Irvine Meadow v Shotts, Kilbirnie v Troon, Petershill v Arthurlie.

Super First: Glencairn v Ardeer, Greenock v Thorniewood, Kilsyth v Cumbernauld, Neilston v Irvine Vics, Rob Roy v Pollok, Shettleston v Maybole, Yoker v Largs.

Central District First: Ashfield v Maryhill, Bellshill v Lesmahagow, Carluke v Blantyre Vics, Lanark v Benburb, Renfrew v Dunipace (Keanie Park, Johnstone), St Anthony's v Larkhall, Wishaw v Vale of Clyde.

Central District Second: Cambuslang v Newmains, East Kilbride v Johnstone Burgh, Forth v Vale of Leven, Royal Albert v Perthshire, St Roch's v Rossvale.

Ayrshire District: Annbank v Muirkirk, Craigmark v Saltcoats, Darvel v Kilwinning, Girvan v Ardrossan, Lugar v Kello, Whitletts v Dalry.