IRVINE MEADOW winger Andy Essler today revealed he desires a regular game more than he does a Stagecoach Super Premier championship medal.

His Ayrshire club's title challenge was given a much-needed shot in the arm last weekend by bookmakers' favourites Pollok losing 1-0 at home to Bellshill Athletic. Keith's cracking start KEITH BURGESS was delighted after his Scotland tenure got off to the best possible start with a 2-1 friendly win against a strong Alloa side.

Playing together for the very first time, Scotland were a bit disjointed in the early stages and it was no surprise when they fell a goal behind following an error by Lochee United goalkeeper Iain Ross.

It took all of 20 minutes before the Scots settled and, spurred on by skipper Tom Courts (Kelty), they began to assert themselves in midfield thanks mainly to Bryan Slavin (Auchinleck) and Calum Hardie (Lochee).

They deservedly got back on level terms from a Slavin penalty following a push on Cumnock striker Richie Barr.

Scotland continued to dominate after the break and they netted what proved to be the winner - again from the spot - this time with roles reversed as a blatant trip on Slavin allowed Barr to score.

The only downside for the Scots came from injuries to Courts and Paul Hilland (Irvine Meadow).

Said Burgess: "People looking at us winning through a couple of penalties might think we struggled, but nothing could be further from the truth.

"We took a while to get into our stride, but nobody could deny we fully deserved our victory. And the most pleasing thing was seeing the players gelling together and giving us something to build upon for going to the Isle of Man tournament."

However, this welcome boost did not prevent the 31-year-old asking to be placed on the club's open-to-transfer list.

Indeed, Essler'ssimmering frustration at being in and out of the first-team picture at Meadow Park this season even has him prepared to turn his back on a lucrative playing contract that still has a year and a bit to run.

His shock transfer request may have stunned team boss Chris Strain but, nevertheless, he is thought to have declared a willingness to listen to offers for the Scotland international he bought from Pollok the season before last.

A typically confident Essler is convinced he still has a lot to offer high- flying Medda, however his receiving no encouragement in a frank exchange of views with gaffer Strain has led him to conclude that he needs to obtain a move in order to reignite his stalled playing career.

He admitted: "I would never entertain the idea of leaving here but for the fact I just don't seem to be figuring in the manager's thoughts.

"It is disappointing and, having talked things over with Chris, there is little chance of things changing in the immediate future.

"I could stick around and be well rewarded for being nothing more than part of the furniture, but I want to get back playing football which is why I've asked away."

Essler now joins bustling striker Craig Feroz on the Meadow transfer list and their availability is sure to spark interest from a number of top-flight clubs.

Meanwhile, Essler's former Pollok and Scotland team-mate Ian Wilson has finally admitted defeat in his battle to get back playing again after being seriously injured in a car crash almost two years ago. His continuing lack of mobility, along with the constant pain from his injuries, has forced the 34-year-old shotstopper to reluctantly hang up the gloves at Arthurlie, whom he joined after being released by Pollok last month.

He said: "That's almost two years of attempting to get back to the way I was before, but it was just not happening for me.

"Manager Mark Cameron and assistant Roland Fabiani were very supportive and did not put me under any great pressure. However, I felt within myself I was fighting a losing battle.

"So, rather than string them along into thinking of me as a goalkeeping option, I decided to call it a day now that they have James Evans fully fit again.

"I have lots of fond memories from my Junior playing career and it has been such an integral part of my life that I won't know what to do with myself on Saturday afternoons.

"But hopefully I won't be out of the game for too long as I intend taking my coaching badges and try to get involved with some club."

Meanwhile, Arthurlie have wasted no time in reacting to Wilson's quit decision after snapping up highly-rated Dumbarton shot-stopper Peter Shaw on a loan deal until the end of season.