Ryan Nolan says he wasn’t aware of Auchinleck Talbot when Raith Rovers were drawn to face them in the Scottish Cup.
The Irish defender has spent much of his career so far in Italy and Spain before a short stint in England.
So he can’t be blamed for a lack of knowledge of the Scottish football pyramid.
Talbot play in the SJFA West Region Premiership, one tier below the Lowland League.
Nolan was quickly informed by his teammates that the Ayrshire side are not to be taken lightly.
‘Hard as any game’
They upset a Scottish Championship side as recently as last season when Hamilton visited Beechwood Park.
“When the draw was made I didn’t really know the team or what division they’re in,” the defender tells Courier Sport.
“The lads said they’re a good team. They’re where they are but they’re going to be sticky, we know that.
“It’s going to be as hard as any game, they’re going to be up for it 100%.
“They want to come here and cause an upset.
“A few of the lads have said they’ve knocked out one or two bigger teams in the competition.”
Ready to seize chance
Nolan has had to be patient after picking up an injury and hasn’t played since October 1.
He and Connor O’Riordan had formed a good partnership at the heart of the defence until then.
Liam Dick subsequently moved to centre-half and the good defensive run continued.
Nolan says is ready to take his chance, which may come this weekend after Rovers conceded five goals last week.
Dick also has a tight hamstring and is to be assessed ahead of this weekend.
“Dicko went to centre back and they’ve done well,” he adds.
“They’ve kept a few clean sheets and it’s up to me to get back in there and train well.
“When I get the chance to play, do as well as I was before the injury. I’m feeling sharp, I feel that hunger.”
Flatmates
Off the field Nolan has been sharing a flat with O’Riordan.
The pair live a relaxed life away from Stark’s Park, according to Nolan, playing darts or watching the World Cup.
The Irish centre-back considers Spain his home so is naturally getting behind them this month.
That also explains one of the few things he is struggling to acclimatise to.
“It’s getting cold!” he says.
“I’m sharing with Connor and it’s good, the flat is quite nice.
“We get on quite well together. We are two lads that tend to just chill. We don’t do too much.
“I’m liking it, it’s a good bunch of lads at the club and I get on well with everyone really.”
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