CANADA and cricket are not usually linked. But Uddingston reckon their chances of success in Conference C of the Scottish League can be boosted by a man from the nation of the maple leaf.
Ian Dickson, a Canadian studying at university in Glasgow, makes his debut in today's crucial encounter against Arbroath at Lochlands.
''Cricket has a very healthy following over there and Ian looked the part during a midweek workout in the nets,'' said club spokesman Craig Mullen.
Ironically, it is Mullen who steps aside to make way for all-rounder Dickson - but he is delighted to do so.
He added: ''From what we have seen of him he could make a big impression.
''He must have been playing at a fairly high standard in Canada because one of his team-mates was Philo Wallace, the West Indies Test player.''
Uddingston fear a backlash from the Taysiders, who were beaten in a high-scoring clash with Ayr at Robertson's Field last week.
''They will have been stung by the fact that they reached a big score like 206 and finished up the losing side,'' said Mullen.
''It shows they have a useful batting line-up and our bowlers will have to be on song to give us a chance of a result.
''We got out of jail to an extent last week when we got the better of a draw with Ferguslie after scoring just 104.
''Paul Hoffman bowled well and we took some good catches, so the positive signs definitely are there.''
Aberdeenshire won't know until just before the start if strike bowler Kevin Thomson is fit to face Edinburgh Accies at Mannofield.
Spokesman John Muckersie said: ''Kevin had fitness problems while on Scotland duty in midweek and we will give him as long as possible to make up his mind.
''It may be the case that he plays, but only bowls at half-pace.''
The match marks the official opening by local MP Anne Begg of the club's new junior pavilion - funded by National Lottery cash.
Clydesdale hope to get their campaign up and running with a home victory over Freuchie, while Ferguslie entertain Stirling County and Prestwick travel to Greenock.
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