ASHFIELD boss Stevie Rankin today admitted his decision to make Darren O'Donnell available for transfer was not one he took lightly.

But one or two sleepless nights have not softened the stance of hardliner Stevie, whose determination to make an example of the highly-rated Saracen Park striker following two bouts of indiscipline is set to spark a signing race.

And all because Dazzler - recently re-instated to Ashfield's line-up after serving a three-match suspension - was red-carded in just his second game back, the New Coin Automatics Cup spot-kick defeat by Glenafton.

"It's probably the toughest call I've ever made as a manager but, hopefully, it might work out for the best," he said.

"Dazzler has performed outstandingly well in his time here, however he's probably grown stale and now needs a change of club to get his career back on track."

Thought to be keen on landing the 26-year-old are Super First Division promotion chasers Kilsyth Rangers, whose step-up hopes were given a welcome shot in the arm after Scott Upton (pen), Tony Martin and Ritchie Bowers netted in a comprehensive 3-0 triumph over East Kilbride.

Gers gaffer Matty Coulter revealed his desire to land a proven goalscorer to form an attacking spearhead with veteran Andy Thomson is all the more acute on account of bustling ex-Alloa and Whitburn front man Michael Daly being put on the transfer list.

Coulter said: "Michael is unhappy with the role he has been asked to fill in our set-up and we have agreed he should move on.

"The lad O'Donnell is not someone I've seen play for myself, however all reports indicate he could turn out a more than suitable replacement, but we'll do some more checks before making any approach.

"One snag might be the fact we are currently well down the road in talks with a club over another potential signing, therefore any new deal will depend upon transfer monies being generated by someone coming in for Michael first."

The Duncansfield boss was not for revealing his intended target, however neighbours Rob Roy's transfer-listed centre-back Karl McCrone is rumoured to be on his signing radar having been identified as someone to fill the boots of regular Duncansfield stopper Marc Murray, who faces two months on the sidelines following hernia surgery.

Meanwhile, seasoned midfielder Stevie Farrell is strongly tipped to assume the Cumnock hot-seat left vacant as a result of Campbell Money's resignation.

Insiders reckon former Kilwinning stalwart Farrell will be handed the reins until the end of the season, then Nock officials will decide whether to make his appointment a permanent one or to invite applications.

This uncertainty has not prevented ex-Cumnock winger Johnny McMillan returning to former pastures after obtaining his release from Glenafton, who are still looking to offload midfielder Daniel O'Donnell.

The one-time West Ham and Falkirk signing is believed to be interesting Shotts, whose manager Dunky Sinclair is looking to bolster his midfield options given that want-away duo John Goodwin and Hugh Kelly have decided their playing futures lie elsewhere.

Maryhill have released back-up keeper Mark Quinn, while East Kilbride have snapped up ex-Queen's Park midfielder Jonathan Tifoney as well as former Jags striker Stephen Watson from Larkhall.

lAs part of their centenary celebrations, Auchinleck are planning a game against Kilmarnock in mid-August as well as a re-union night for ex-players, managers and backroom staff for early September.

Legends Dennis Gray (07769 881791) and Willie Young (07803 856108) are the points of contact. Two clubs facing Citylink Scottish Cup quarter-final ties this Saturday were in action last night.

Stevie Dymock netted for Rob Roy in a 2-1 defeat by Queen's Park, while Clydebank frontman Charlie Hobbs bagged the only goal of the game against Bellshill in a match played on Astro-grass to help the Bankies' preparations for meeting Petershill at the New Petershill Park complex. SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(2pm unless stated) Scottish Citylink Cup. Quarter-finals: Petershill v Clydebank, Irvine Meadow v Pollok, Auchinleck Talbot v Arthurlie, Newtongrange Star v Rob Roy (2.30pm).

Stagecoach Super Premier: Bellshill v Cumnock, Glenafton v Neilston, Beith v Vale of Clyde.

Stagecoach Super First: Annbank v Lanark, Kilwinning Rangers v East Kilbride, Largs v Hurlford, Kilbirnie v Port Glasgow, Maybole v Girvan, Renfrew v Kilsyth Rangers.

Stagecoach Central First: Yoker v Lesmahagow, Larkhall v Thorniewood, Glencairn v Vale of Leven, Cambuslang Rangers v Cumbernauld, Maryhill v Johnstone Burgh, Ashfield v St Anthony's.

Stagecoach Central Second: St Roch's v Blantyre Vics, Greenock v Shettleston, Forth v Royal Albert, Carluke v Newmains, Dunipace v Glasgow Perthshire.

Stagecoach Ayrshire Division: Ardeer v Dalry, Winton Rovers v Lugar, Whitletts v Saltcoats, Muirkirk v Kello, Troon v Irvine Vics, Craigmark v Darvel.