No Bathgate deal for McLaren

Published on Tuesday 9 September 2008 09:44

FORMER Scotland internationalist Andy McLaren has failed to win himself a deal with Bathgate Thistle after spending a month on trial with the club.

The ex-Kilmarnock and Dundee United winger was released by Ayr United in May after an injury-hit 15 months at Somerset Park and was given the chance to impress Thistle boss Willie Hill in a number of League Cup matches and Super League games.

The 35-year-old turned out five times for the Scottish Junior Cup holders and shone on his debut against Bo'ness United last month. However, he failed to maintain that level of performance and, after he featured in a 3-0 defeat to Camelon at the weekend, the club have decided not to take their interest any further.

Meanwhile, Thistle have been drawn away to Lochee United in the draw for the first round of the Scottish Cup.

The pairing pits the Scottish Junior Cup holders against the East Region Super League champions and is the last draw that either club would have wanted as it guarantees one local side will be eliminated in the first round.

Scottish Cup, first round draw (ties to be played on Saturday, September 27)

Rothes v Buckie Thistle; Golspie Sutherland v Threave Rovers; Banks O'Dee v Fort William; Lochee United v Bathgate Thistle; Selkirk v Coldstream; St Cuthbert Wanderers v Wick Academy; Fraserburgh v Hawick Royal Albert; Newton Stewart v Brora Rangers; Huntly v Girvan; Pollok v Spartans; Edinburgh City v Nairn County; Inverurie Loco Works v Deveronvale; Dalbeattie Star v Lossiemouth; Edinburgh University v Civil Service Strollers; Preston Athletic v Gala Fairydean; Wigtown & Bladnoch v Forres Mechanics; Clachnacuddin v Burntisland Shipyard; Glasgow University v Vale of Leithen.