The Highland League’s leading scorer has declared himself fit for Buckie Thistle’s William Hill Scottish Cup third-round tie against Championship side Dunfermline at Victoria Park today.
John McLeod was taken off after just 15 minutes in last Saturday’s 5-1 win against Clach in Inverness but by then the game was won as the Jags were 3-0 up and McLeod had scored two of them.
The former Fort William and Brora Rangers attacker said: “Playing against a full-time club like Dunfermline is the biggest game of my Highland League career so far.
“Last weekend I was having problems with a muscle in my buttock and I was really sore after the Keith game the previous Wednesday but, thanks to our physio, I was able to start the Clach game.
“Before I ran out manager Graeme Stewart said to me if I got him two goals he would take me off as soon as he could and after quarter of an hour I had scored twice and helped make the other, so he was true to his word and substituted me.”
McLeod insists he is ready to play the full 90 minutes today.
He said: “I can’t wait to play in front of the biggest crowd I’ll have experienced.
“Dunfermline have asked us for around 1,000 tickets and we’ll have more than that supporting us, so the atmosphere should be electric.
“It’s all a bit surreal but I watched highlights of Dunfermline’s recent game against St Mirren and there didn’t appear to be much football played by either side.
“I’m hoping as a full-time club they may take us too lightly. If they do, hopefully we can take full advantage.
“A draw would be a great result for us as I would love to get the opportunity to play at East End Park and if I can add to my 32-goal season’s tally then that will be even better.”
