STEVEN SWIFT has sensationally quit newly-crowned Super First champs Irvine Meadow earlier than expected to join Ayr.

He tore a thigh muscle against the Republic of Ireland last weekend, but was hopeful of making a return in time for his Ayrshire club's defence of the Evening Times Cup crown.

The highly-acclaimed full-back had more reason than most of his team-mates for wanting to lift the prestigious prize after making his mind up to belatedly accept a signing offer from his former Stranraer gaffers, Neil Watt and Stuart Miller, to team up with them again next season at Somerset Park.

The 26-year-old was banking on an Evening Times Cup win providing the ideal parting gift to Meadow boss Chris Strain and club officials, whose gracious agreement to tear up his lucrative contract undoubtedly helped pave the way for his third step-up into the Senior ranks.

Benburb fans will recall he previously left Tinto Park to go full-time with Livingston, and, after failing to make a first-team breakthrough, saw him reinstated with Junior side Linlithgow Rose before his outstanding displays earned a subsequent move to Stranraer.

But, his best laid plans for a silver-laden send-off went by the wayside in midweek when a medical examination revealed the diagnosis he is ruled out for the rest of this season.

The Govan born and bred ace today said: "I consider myself so fortunate for having this terrific opportunity to step up to the Seniors for a third time.

"Yet, that said, walking away from Irvine Meadow has to be the hardest footballing decision I've made.

"They are a superb club, run along professional lines and with great people behind the scenes, as well as superb team-mates, so I've loved my time there.

"For those very reasons, I had to think long and hard about leaving, which is why I did not immediately jump when Neil and Stuart made their approach.

"Only time will tell if I've made the right decision. However, it is every footballer's aim to play at the highest possible level and I am no different in that respect, even if people close to me, like big Dexy (Derek Wingate), reckon I'm off my head.

"We've been best friends ever since teaming up at Benburb and have gone on to play together at Stranraer, Irvine Meadow and with Junior Scotland, but he has acted very dry with me recently because he feels my decision is the wrong one.

"But the way I see it, if things were to ever go pear-shaped at Ayr United, hopefully I can revert back to playing Junior again - and better still if the door is kept open for me at Meadow Park."

Swifty intends saying his goodbyes at tomorrow's home game with Girvan when sponsors Stagecoach will present the Ayrshire giants with their trophy.

Not that Meadow gaffer Strain is taking it easy as he is already on the trail of a full-back replacement and more to go along with his much-publicised acquisition of St Mirren striker Brian McGinty.

He remains tight-lipped over potential signings, but thought to be on his radar is that of Ricky Gillies - brother of Meadow midfielder Kenny - and is also credited with checking out the availability of Stirling Albion's former Neilston midfielder, Chris Aitken, as well as making an unsuccessful approach to Arthurlie for Paul Hilland.

Another club making transfer overtures are East Kilbride Thistle, where gaffer John Brogan has put keeper Brian McDonald and defender Niall Reynolds up for sale at their own requests.

The Whyte & Mackay Cup will be played to a finish next week with the semi-finals of Kilwinning v Kilbirnie and Glenafton v Petershill going ahead on Monday, the winners squaring up at Newlandsfield a week tomorrow.

Last night, Rutherglen brought a miserable run to an end with a 4-1 win over Blantyre Vics in the Central District First.

Paul Quinn hit a double, with Davie Dickson making it 3-0 in 38 minutes, before Joe Shields pulled a goal back for Vics. Mark McManus rounded off the scoring in the second half.