HIGHLY experienced defender James Latta hopes he can solve struggling Irvine Meadow's problems after being lured out of retirement.

The Auchinleck Talbot legend, who won five Scottish Junior Cup crowns and five Premier Division titles at Beechwood, made his debut in the 3-1 home defeat against Pollok.

Now he is relishing a challenge at the opposite end of the table as basement team Meadow face form side Largs Thistle away on Saturday.

Latta, who left Kilwinning Rangers last season, said: "I decided to retire in June as I had a lot on with work and was enjoying spending time with my family. But I know Colin Spence from when I was at Talbot and he was saying he liked it at Meadow. I then got a call from Meadow manager Brian McGinty last week and agreed to sign. I felt we were unlucky on Saturday as before Callum Gow was sent off and I felt that was harsh, we had been playing really well.

"If we could just pick up a win it would give us confidence and we have to go to Largs on Saturday aiming for three points. The aim is to make sure out of the bottom two come the end of the season. We have had a run of tough games and must make sure we beat the teams round about us."

McGinty is delighted to have Latta on board and said: "Like Colin Spence James gives that bit of added experience and that should help."

The boss was furious with the red card and said: "I feel Callum Gow's sending off was harsh as it was a blatant dive by the Pollok player and that made it really difficult for us after that. We missed some chances before that."

Looking ahead he said: "It's an important game at Largs. They had a great result but we must make sure we take a point or three points."

Meanwhile Irvine Victoria boss Brian McLuckie is upbeat despite his team's 3-2 home defeat against Irvine Vics.

He said: "There wasn't much in the game, we competed well. Whitletts scored late on and the positives we can take is the players are taking on board what we have been saying to them."

The Westenders head to Hamilton Park to face McLuckie's former club Girvan on Saturday and the manager added: "We will go there looking to win. They will disappointed after their weekend result but will will see it as a chance for them to take three points."