Heroic Meikle busts a gut for the Penicuik cause

The big defender needs a hernia operation but has been told that he may have to wait for as long as 12 weeks. He was in a lot of pain after helping the Midlothian men bounce back from a poor start to the Premier Division campaign with a 2-0 win at Whitburn.

But Meikle says he is happy to keep pulling on the Penicuik jersey, starting tomorrow when they entertain Edinburgh United in the East of Scotland Cup.

"I'm in agony after matches but I want to do my bit for the cause, so it's a case of trying to ease through games," said the club's joint manager.

On-loan Hearts defender Brad McKay made his debut in the win at Whitburn and Meikle admitted: "He was solid and aggressive - exactly what you are looking for in a central defender." Grant Killen and Ross Montgomery are both available again, but Johnny Harvey is out for a couple of weeks with appendicitis. "While Whitburn had some players missing, we did well last Saturday."

Broxburn, flying high at the top of the Premier Division after three wins, will be hoping to transfer their form into the cup away to Dundee North End. Arniston, who had a good run in the League Cup at the start of the season, are at home to Armadale, while Tranent will be hoping to kick-start their campaign at Sauchie. Whitburn are at Stoneyburn in a West Lothian derby, Dalkeith entertain Lochore Welfare and Spartans get a day out up at Arbroath Vics.