McArthur's patience and work pays off

Stuart McArthur feared he was heading for the exit door at Prestonfield as he spent three-quarters of last season on the bench. He watched manager Dave Baikie bring in a host of new players following his arrival towards the end of the previous campaign and felt his days were numbered.

But, after finishing last season with a bang, McArthur now appears to be one of the first names on the Rose team sheet.

He's already helped Baikie's team lift the League Cup this term and now has his sights set on adding the Super League title.

McArthur also reckons there is nothing to stop Rose from recording back-to-back wins in the Scottish Cup.

"A lot of guys have come and gone during my time here and I definitely feared for my own future most of last season," said the midfielder-cum-attacker. "But I took my chance when it eventually came and finished strongly."

McArthur, who is in his seventh season with the East Region giants, added: "I think I'm a bit fitter this season. The gaffer likes his running in training on a Monday night and I've probably just got my head down and worked harder. I've certainly felt a bit sharper.

"The recent game against Clydebank was the first game I've not started this season, which was a bit disappointing due to it being the Scottish Cup. But the gaffer picks the team so I had to get on with it."

A tough test awaits against Auchinleck in the third round on Saturday week but first Rose will be hoping to stretch their lead at the top of the Super League when they face managerless Camelon away this weekend.