COLIN Mitchell, the Clydesdale manager, says opportunity knocks for a new generation of players as the Titwood club launch their bid for a third consecutive Western Premier title.

Dale entertain East Kilbride this afternoon but they do so without several of the men who were key figures in the successes of the last two seasons.

The most high-profile absentee is Majid Haq who left the club in controversial circumstances after losing the captaincy in the wake of last season’s league and cup double.

Haq, Scotland’s most capped player and leading wicket-taker, will perform in the second tier of cricket in the east as professional of RH Corstorphine.

Also departed are fast bowlers Abdul Sabri and Akram Shakoor who have made the short move to Shawholm where Poloc will compete in the top flight for the first time while Mo Ali and Muhammad Afzal left for Weirs.

Clydesdale still boast considerable experience in the form of Richie Berrington and new skipper Con de Lange, both seasoned internationalists, but new faces are also set to shine.

Mitchell said: “Clearly we have a much-changed squad this season and there will be a youthful flavour in line-up and approach.

“I think we’ve all put last season behind us and are looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“We were strongly energised in pre-season and you get that with young players.”

One of the youngsters set to make a mark is Angus Guy who scored a half-century at the age of 14 in last season’s Grand Final, albeit in a losing cause against Carlton.

Aliyan Qureshi has made the opposite move from Poloc and his new-ball skills may help offset the loss of Sabri, Shakoor and Afzal.

East Kilbride, meanwhile, must find a way of replacing Scotland star Ross Lyons, last season’s leading all-rounder in the league having joined Uddingston, and the capture of Josh and Saif Sajjad from Drumpellier will help their cause as will the arrival of Australian professional Jack Clark in what could be a close opening encounter.

Poloc, having also recruited Hamza Tahir and Taimoor Ahmad from today’s visitors Ferguslie, are seen by many observers as favourites to lift the title at the first time of asking.

However, Shawholm spokesman Keith Young insists club development is more important than chasing silverware.

He said: “The club has no specific targets for the season in terms of where any of its teams finish in their leagues, or how far they progress in cup competitions.

“For a number of years the sole aim has been to create an environment that attracts and caters for the cricketing ambitions of players of all types.

“We believe if we concentrate on the process rather than the outcomes then results will take care of themselves.

“Looking to season 2017 I want to see the club continue to develop on and off the field and ensure that we meet the development needs of all our players.”

Poloc, fielding six of the Western Warriors squad, expect a stiff examination from a Ferguslie outfit who were in contention for the title for much of last season.

The Paisley men hand a competitive debut to Riyaad Henry, son of former Scotland and South Africa international Omar who was also a Poloc player during a ten-year stint in this country.

Greenock return to the top flight after a four-year absence and face a tough test when Uddingston visit Glenpark.

Prestwick, aiming to improve on last season’s fourth place, open against a Kelburne side that will feature two South Africans in Bradley Joynt and Jacques Porter.

The prolific Kiwi Michael Papps returns to bolster Ayr’s bid for success, the 2014 champions hosting 2012 winners Dumfries as the curtain rises on a new domestic season.