SATURDAY'S mammoth Scottish Cup quarter final could make Talbot's season.

That's according to boss Tommy Sloan as he gears his troops up for a huge East Ayrshire derby against Hurlford United at Blair Park at the weekend.

Sloan's side were held to a dull goalless draw with Shettleston on Saturday but Sloan reckons his side will be well up for their cup fixture this week.

He said: "We're looking forward to this one. It's a tough one. If you're not up for this one, you never will be."

The Beechwood gaffer has been left frustrated in recent weeks as postponements have stopped his side building up any momentum. Now Sloan is hoping that a recent rivalry with Hurlford will be enough to fire his troops in to the semi final.

Talbot swept Hurlford aside 5-2 on aggregate in last seasons semi final - thanks to a 3-1 win at Blair Park followed by a thrilling 2-1 victory at Beechwood in the second leg.

Talbot also pipped Darren Henderson's side to the league title, as Hurlford finished runners up to champions Talbot.

He added: "They're a strong side and we knocked them out in the semi final last year and they have been the main challenge over the last two years.

"Everybody will be wanting to play in this one. It makes your season and for whoever loses it's a big dampener and it's a big prize for the winner."

Sloan boosted his squad this week as he re-captured Craig McCracken on loan from Ayr United. McCracken was thrown straight in at the deep end as he started last weekends draw at Shettleston and Sloan reckons it could be just the boost his side need in the run in to the end of the campaign.

The Talbot boss admits his eyes are always peeled for new players but that he doesn't have anyone in mind at present. He said: "We've had a lack of goals in the last couple of weeks and we need to fix that but there's nobody in mind that I am looking to bring in. We will keep going with what we have and I'm confident we can start scoring again."

Sloan may be able to turn to old head, James Latta, again who is expected to be available for selection after returning from two matches out with a groin strain.

Talbot head to Hurlford on Saturday with a 2.30pm kick off.