Alan Gow, the Rangers striker, has been revealed as the driving force behind Gary McArthur. The Clydebank lightweight, who will defend the British Masters title against the Welshman, Henry Jones, at the town's Play Drome tonight, relies on Gow to ensure he arrives for fights on time.

McArthur, who does not drive, said: "Alan and I go back a long way and he has chauffeured me to all my previous fights, so I would not want to risk breaking a winning habit.

"We started high school together and have remained close ever since, even although we are very different in terms of our personalities. While I am outgoing and confident, Alan is quite shy. However, we are similar in regard to our desire and determination to succeed.

"I am confident Alan will make it because he has the ability and puts in a lot of work on the training ground. He is waiting for his chance and when it comes he will grab it."

McArthur, who has sold 500 tickets for this evening's showdown, added: "Alan apart, I do not need to be associated with the stars. If the rest of the Rangers players want to come, that's fine."

McArthur extended a late invitation to Rangers manager Walter Smith to join Gow at ringside for the five-fight bill, which also features welterweight Craig Dickson, light-middleweights Jamie Coyle and Chris Black and bantamweight David Savage.

McArthur added tongue in cheek: "I have racked up nine straight wins, and if Walter wishes to see how 10-in-a-row is achieved, he is welcome to come along."

nAlex Arthur is not holding out much hope of an all-Scottish bout with Scott Harrison. The WBO interim super-featherweight champion is preparing to face Englishman Steve Foster Jr at Meadowbank on December 15.

Harrison, on the other hand, is struggling to get back to the type of fitness and shape that would allow him to make his comeback in the ring. He has not fought since June, 2005, having encountered a string of personal difficulties, but he has vowed to make a return.

Arthur said: "Firstly, we need to see Scott back in the ring. Once we see him fighting again you never know what could happen. In saying that, this is a one-man game and I'm not interested in anyone else in boxing. I'm only interested in what I do."