Published: Wednesday, 13th January, 2010 2:53pm

Lie are fighting fit for Pollok derby

By Kristian Truelsen

LOK N LOAD: Arthurlie v Pollok is one of the fiercest derbies in the Junior game and hostilities are set to recommence on Saturday, weather permitting

ARTHURLIE manager Mark Cameron isn't concerned about his players' fitness levels as they go into their derby match against Pollok despite being out of action for almost a month.

That's because he reckons the prospect of a derby battle with the Lie's biggest rivals is more than enough to get his side's adrenaline rushing.

Arthurlie are due to play the Lok on Saturday - weather permitting - and even though the cold snap has a stranglehold on the Junior fixtures, there will be a red-hot contest at Dunterlie Park if the game is given the go-ahead.

Cameron said: "Before we finished up for Christmas Pollok were performing well and were on a good run.

"We haven't played for three weeks and I think it is hard to see which way the game will go.

"It will be tough but I am not worried about the players' fitness levels.

"It is a derby and that will be when the players' adrenaline really kicks in.

"We have been working round the clock to keep the players ticking over and we have been quite lucky in the respect we have been able to train in indoor facilities.

"When you get this kind of weather, it becomes a free-for-all for indoor facilities with junior, senior, amateur and juvenile teams booking places for facilities."

Lee Sharp has returned to the Lie this week after enjoying a fruitful second spell with Third Division side Stranraer from the start of the season.

Cameron was delighted at the return of the defender this week and believes he can bolster the squad, but insisted he will need to earn the right to a place in the first team.

He said: "The situation at the start of the season was that Lee couldn't get into the starting line-up and so he approached me and asked if he could go out on loan.

"He is quite close to Stranrear and the management and I thought it would allow me to give Lee a chance to get games.

"It has turned out well and we are getting a match-fit player, but Lee is like any other player and he will need to fight for his place in the team.

"We face a situation where we will end up playing three matches a week towards the end of the season.

"I am happy with the squad we have got and we started well at the beginning of the season which leaves us in a good position."

Weather permitting, Arthurlie take on Pollok in the league on Saturday January 16 at Dunterlie Park (kick-off 1.45pm).