TROON FC boss Jim Kirkwood says his young team will be massive underdogs when big-spending KILWINNING RANGERS rock up at Portland Park on Saturday.

The Super League First Division promotion challengers host the Super League Premier Division leaders in a David and Goliath clash.

They meet in the opening round of the showpiece Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup.

Kirkwood is relishing the tie and said: "This will definitely be the first time while I have manager that we will be clear underdogs in a game against Kilwinning Rangers and the bookies will have them as the favourites.

"Kilwinning are flying and have some high earners in the squad. But hopefully they will have their minds on the League. They will be expected to win big hopefully we can spring an upset - we would like to win a trophy this season."

Meanwhile Kirkwood has sympathy for Buffs counterpart Chris Strain - who was handed a six-match ban after being sent off in a home League clash with Glenafton Athletic.

He said: I had a 12-match ban to serve at the start of this season after being involved in an altercation with the Beith boss Johnny Millar, it's difficult being kept away from the dug-out so I know how Chris feels."

The Portland Park gaffer was disappointed to see no action on Saturday as the League clash at Shettleston fell foul of the weather.

He added: "It's been a real start-stop season and it was disappointing when we got the phone call at quarter to 10 to say the game was off. Yet a mile and a half away Rutherglen played Largs but that's the way it goes sometimes."