HUGH KELLY says he'll put the Xmas cake on the table if his Shettleston players come up with the icing by taking maximum points from their next two Super First Division fixtures.

It's a recipe guaranteed to go down well with Greenfield Park supporters who have delighted this season in watching the Town confound their newly-promoted status and put together a remarkable 10-match unbeaten run that has lifted the famous old Glasgow outfit to second-top spot in the table and has pundits taking notice of them as strong title contenders.

Long-standing team boss Kelly is doing his best to play down expectations but he is only too well aware that victories gleaned from tomorrow's home clash with Irvine Vics and the visit of fourth top Cumbernauld United next weekend would leave his playing charges heading for Newlandsfield and a potential title showdown against Pollok in their first game of 2015.

Kelly insisted: "It's time to rein in the horses because I do believe people are getting a bit ahead of themselves in talking about us as potential champions.

"A bit of silverware would be pleasing and a fitting reward for the player's efforts but right now I would bite your hand off to finish in the runners- up spot next May and be guaranteed promotion to the top flight.

"It's long been a dream of mine to lead Shettleston back among Junior football's big guns, however that dream is a long way from being realised just because we are handily placed going into the festive fixtures.

"Experience has taught me that the wheels can come off the wagon very easily and there are a number of similarly matched clubs determined to push themselves into contention.

"Pollok's consistency has been terrific and is the reason they are way out in front so they will take some catching in the second half of the season but my players simply cannot afford to let themselves be wound up thinking only of them.

"There are potential pitfalls to be faced against every team in this very competitive Division not least of all tomorrow's opponents Irvine Vics and we could come a cropper unless the guys are up for it."

Shettleston kicked off their league campaign with a 2-1 win away to the Ayrshire club and Kelly recalls paying a price for coming away very impressed with their playing style organisation, and striking duo Kevin Adam and Eddie Ablohr.

He revealed: "I thought we were more than a tad fortunate to take all three points on the day and told a group of friends to back them at the bookmakers but they duly went on something like seven games without a win so my friends derided my tipping abilities and called it a day then suddenly the Vics started stringing together some decent results.

Kelly laughed: "I'm telling those same mates to back them against us on Saturday."

Shettleston skipper Brian McEwan is about to undergo surgery to cure a debilitating ankle problem and is a definite non-starter along with fellow long-standing injury victim Ryan Scott, however of greater concern to Kelly is the enforced absence through suspension of Danny Boyle and Ross Dickson.

The gaffer said: "We can ill afford to be going into games of this importance minus key players and the only source of comfort is the return of Rab Jenner after serving a ban of his own.

"Keeping 11 players on the pitch is a must if we want to stay in the promotion hunt."

Shettleston's depleted state has led to Kelly swooping to sign English-born midfielder Liam Davies who previously played for AFC Blackpool and Chorley.

Kelly added: "Liam is a terrier type but is a good passer of the ball and he showed up well coming off the bench against Rob Roy last weekend so he is very much in our thoughts for the Irvine Vics game."

The remainder of the Super First card has early season frontrunners Pollok strongly fancied to take the spoils at home to Greenock and third placed Maybole will look to build upon last Saturday's 3-0 defeat of Neilston in new manager Carlo Walker's first game in charge when hosting the visit of Ardeer Thistle.

Neilston will not find it easy getting back on the rails at home to Rutherglen Glencairn while Holm Park hosts a head to head between two of the brightest wing stars in the Junior ranks - Whe Ho talent Greg Maitland and Rabs prospect Chris Duff.

PLAYING TOMORROW

(Kick-offs 1.45pm unless stated)

Scottish Junior Cup. Third Round (1.30pm): Culter v Falkirk Juniors.

Stagecoach League Super Premier Division: Auchinleck Talbot v Clydebank, Cumnock v Troon, Arthurlie v Hurlford Utd, Glenafton v Irvine Meadow, Shotts Bon Accord v Beith, Petershill v Kilbirnie Ladeside.

Stagecoach League Super First Division: Neilston v Rutherglen Glencairn, Yoker v Rob Roy, Largs Thistle v Kilsyth Rangers, Maybole v Ardeer Thistle, Pollok v Greenock, Cumbernauld Utd v Thorniewood Utd, Shettleston v Irvine Vics.

Stagecoach League Central First Division: Lesmahagow v Ashfield, Dunipace v Renfrew, Lanark Utd v Wishaw, Vale of Clyde v Bellshill Athletic, Blantyre Vics v Carluke Rovers, Benburb v Maryhill, Larkhall Thistle v St Anthony's.

Stagecoach League Central Second Division: Port Glasgow v Forth, Newmains Utd v Rossvale, Johnstone Burgh v St Roch's, Glasgow Perthshire v East Kilbride Thistle.

Stagecoach League Ayrshire District: Saltcoats Vics v Darvel, Dalry Thistle v Lugar Boswell, Winton Rovers v Annbank Utd, Girvan v Kilwinning Rangers, Whitletts Vics v Craigmark, Kello Rovers v Muirkirk.