Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 2:12pm

Lie defender's season is over

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By Kristian Truelsen

BIG LOSS: Craig Higgins has been a rock at the back for Arthurlie this season

THE Arthurlie squad suffered a massive blow this week, with the news Craig Higgins will be sidelined for the rest of the season.

In a mixed week for the Lie, it was revealed centre-half Higgins will not play again for the side after picking up knee ligament damage.

Higgin's arrived from Irvine Meadow in 2008 and the experienced defender has been one of Mark Cameron's most consistent performers in the backline this season.

Despite the set back, Arthurlie assistant Jimmy McQuade reckons the former Aberdeen and Stranraer stopper has the mentality to battle back to full fitness.

He said: "It is a big blow to us because he is a great defender.

"But it is a big blow to the lad as well and he is just coming to terms with what's happened to him.

"He has damaged the inside of his knee ligament and it is a bad one because it keeps the leg stable.

"But knowing Craig he will fight back to fitness."

But the Arthurlie backline was also given a boost after James Lundie put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year extension to stay at Dunterlie.

The defender joined the Barrhead club back in August 2008 from Ayrshire side Auchinleck Talbot and he will play a vital role in the run-in this season.

McQuade was delighted to see Lundie extend his time at Dunterlie and said: "It is a big boost for us that we have got him for another couple of years.

"James has been important both seasons he has played in and is also a versatile defender who can play sweeper and right-back. He is one of the best players in the league and we are delighted to have him at the club. If he was on the transfer list other clubs would be interested in signing him.

"It is all about team building and getting a basis.

"You need to look at the future and not just at the next game." Lundie is certainly going to play a major part in the business end of the season where Arthurlie will be pushed even further after their second round West of Scotland Cup tie was frozen off at Shettleston.

McQuade said: "We certainly need league games under our belts.

"It is disappointing to have games called off and we need to get back playing again especially now that other sides are back in action. It is financially hard on the club when games are off.

"Midweek games will come in after Easter and I dread to think how many games we will be playing a week - but every club is in the same boat."

Arthurlie play Shettleston in the second round of the West of Scotland Cup at Greenfield Park on Saturday, kick-off at 2pm.