ARTHURLIE boss Gavin Duncan insists his side are full of confidence heading into Saturday’s league curtain raiser at home to Irvine Meadow.

Duncan’s side have enjoyed a successful opening to their competitive campaign having come through the group stages of the Sectional League Cup unscathed with a 100 per cent record — notching wins over Pollok, Neilston, Benburb and St Anthony’s.

‘Lie welcome Blantyre Victoria tonight (Wednesday) in the quarter finals before Stevie Rankin’s Meadow come to town on Saturday for the first game of the Super League Premier Division.

Duncan said: “It is the first time we have managed to qualify from the group winning all four ties and we have to take a lot of positives from that, sure there are a few things we have noticed that we could do with sorting but we are looking good.

“It is a great situation to be in and the boys should be full of confidence whoever the opposition is.

“We know Irvine Meadow are a very good side who have strengthened during the close season so we know we will have to be at our best in order to get the three points.” Saturday’s opponents may have added to their ranks during the summer but Duncan highlighted the players he has at his disposal at Dunterlie. The ‘Lie boss moved to add to his squad early in pre season, with the likes of Richie Barr and Danny Burns snapped up early in the summer.

He added: “I think we have strengthened very well during the break and have managed to get a good blend of youth and experience.

“Some would look at our squad and say it is a very young side but we are very good in depth and all the youngsters are hungry and talented.

“Each of the younger players here has what it takes to succeed in the game and if that means they step back up to the next level then so be it, we aren’t going to stand in anybody’s way.

“But we have told them we can only do so much for them, it is up to themselves to put the work in and improve, we will help that process and all of them are capable of just that.

“We also Ryan Jordan and David Merriman to come back, two very experienced players who are a major asset to the club.”