Published: Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 9:30am

Star signings ready to make Lie debut

ARTHURLIE'S new-look side will be in action for the first time this Saturday as they take on Craigroyston at Dunterlie.

It will be the Arthurlie's fans first chance to see the new arrivals in the blue and white of the Barrhead side, with David Merriman, Brian McKeown, Michael Keenan and Steven Miller all expected to play some part in the match.

But there could be a few rusty performances, as this will be the club's first game for a total of seven weeks since their last competitive outing, which was a 3-0 defeat to Clydebank on the June 5.

When the East of Scotland side and the Lie lock horns on Saturday it will be for the JC Allen trophy, which has been put up by the company that sponsors both of the clubs.

On the transfer front there have been no new arrivals in the past week but striker Joe Andrew has left the club after signing for Ruther Glencairn where he joins ex-Arthurlie captain Martin Hughes who recently signed for the Glens from Auchinleck.

Andrew was in his second spell at the Barrhead club, with a season at Alloa Athletic sandwiched between his stint for the Lie.

Something of an enigma, Andrew seemed to go on runs where he scored freely week in week out before hitting a barren spell, but he notched an impressive 45 goals for the club in 65 starts over three seasons.

Arthurlie have also announced that they will listen to offers for defender Stephen Gallacher, brother of St Mirren goalkeeper Paul, midfielder Tam Murdoch and forward Stephen Anderson.

Without any signings coming in, the rumour mill has been in over drive with several players believed to be on the verge of arriving to boost the forward ranks at the club.

Meanwhile, last Wednesday Craig Higgins underwent the operation to repair his cartilage and reports are that everything went well.

He will soon be starting a course of rehabilitation that will hopefully see him starting for Arthurlie again in the not too distant future.

At Saturday's match (kick-off 2pm) season tickets for the coming campaigns will be on sale from the committee.

Prices are as follows, adults £45, OAPs £20, and juveniles are £10.