David Gormley has urged Kilwinning Rangers to seize their chance for silverware after being handed a shock bye to the West of Scotland League Cup final.
The Buffs were due to host league champions Darvel in the last four this Saturday.
But the East Ayrshire outfit announced on Monday they were withdrawing from the competition, claiming it was a step too far after a long, gruelling season.
That means Kilwinning now have a free pass to the final on June 11 where they will go head-to-head with either Hurlford or Pollok for the trophy.
Boss Gormley admits Darvel’s decision came as a surprise but he reckons it’s an opportunity his players must grasp as he targets a winning end to the season.
He said: “The message was loud and clear to the players before Darvel pulled out and it’s even louder now that we can say we have a final to look forward to.
“This is a good opportunity for us. The West of Scotland League Cup has always been a big trophy to win at this level.
“That’s something I’ve been trying to hammer home to the players and I think they are taking that on board now.
“We’ve had boys change plans to make sure they are available for the final so we should have the guts of a full squad available.
“As a player you want to win things and hopefully we can finish on a high.”
Gormley also revealed he expects to announce a raft of new signing soon.
He is targeting three stars from the senior leagues, with former Falkirk and Motherwell striker Dylan Mackin thought to be top of his shopping list.
Gormley, who wants eight new faces on board for the next campaign, also confirmed that striker David Ramsay will leave the club at the end of the season.
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