STRIKER Jamie McKenna has made a shock exit from Greenock.

McKenna was the club’s joint-top goalscorer along with John Carter last season, and looked set to be a key player as the current campaign got under way.

But the player’s unhappiness was clear when he was brought on as a sub in the first half of a recent match, but was then subbed himself later on in the same game.

And after crunch talks with club officials on Monday night, it was agreed that a parting of the ways would be the best step forward.

Manager Martin Campbell was understandably reluctant to go into details about McKenna’s departure.

But he said: “It just came to a point where we both agreed it would be best for Jamie to move on.

“I would like to thank him for his efforts at Greenock and wish him all the best for the future.” The club has also announced another departure this week, with goalkeeper James Dunn also released.

With Mark Monk and Ryan McWilliams vying for the number one jersey this season, it was always going to be difficult to retain what was effectively a third choice keeper, and Dunn has moved on in a bid to get more regular action.

Campbell added: “It’s a pity, because James is a fantastic goalie, but he is looking to play regularly and we couldn’t guarantee him that here. But he is certainly one we will be keeping tabs on for the future.” Meanwhile, after a disappointing performance at Cumbernauld last week, Campbell’s men hope to get their league campaign back on track tomorrow.

Bottom-of-the-table Thorniewood are the visitors to Ravenscraig, but Greenock only need to look back to a fortnight ago to realise the three points are not to be taken for granted.

Largs were the basement club — and without a league win — when they came to Ravenscraig then, yet Greenock struggled to a 1-1 draw.

Thorniewood now prop up the Super League First Division table after a miserable start to their league season.

The Uddingston men have lost their last five league games and have picked up just two points from seven matches.

So Campbell realises it’s a golden chance for his men to rack up a morale-boosting win.

He said: “Of course, we won’t be taking anything for granted, but three points really is a must on Saturday.

“It is a chance for us to blow the cobwebs away after our recent performances. But with all the teams above us in the league playing each other tomorrow, it is also an opportunity for us to gain a wee bit of ground on those above us in the table.” In team news, Alan Williams is suspended, having been given a one-match ban for his red card at Cumbernauld.

And right-back Luke Murray, who hobbled off with an ankle injury in the second half of last Saturday’s match, has been unable to train this week and is also ruled out.

Kick-off at Ravenscraig is at 2pm.

Greenock Juniors are sponsored by SAVEHEAT, and the Lighthouse Bar.