Jamie McKim believes Johnstone Burgh can fire their way up the First Division table today - as long as they match their workrate with their ability.
A patched up Burgh side suffered a bruising 4-1 WoSFL Cup defeat last weekend against Rossvale, with the Keanie Park side not helped by Max Brown’s early red card.
McKim’s men have a perfect opportunity to bounce back this afternoon when they take on Rutherglen Glencairn on their home turf.
And the Burgh boss is looking for a strong reaction from his players, telling Renfrewshire Live Sport: “The Rossvale result was massively disappointing.
“We’ve been struggling with injuries over the last few weeks. I’ve never been missing so many key players.
“We’ve had all four of our centre halves missing, which is pretty rare, and I think we got caught out with it finally last weekend - especially with Max being sent off.
“It definitely doesn’t give you your best chance of winning a game when you go down to ten men and it’s happened too often in recent games.
“We need to put it to bed this weekend. We had a few home truths in training this week and the response has been excellent.
“I watched Rutherglen against Neilston on Wednesday night and they’re a strong team who made the game quite stuffy.
“I know we can compete with anyone when we’re at our best. We need our will and desire to win to match the ability we have in the dressing room, because I know we have a very talented squad.
“We’ve got all the ability in the world but we need to match that with a hunger to win.
“With the league still being so tight the next three games are huge for us. We can put ourselves in contention and, if we apply ourselves and stay aggressive, I know we can have a hugely successful season.”
Elsewhere in the First Division Neilston host Thorniewood United this afternoon on the back on Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw with Rutherglen Glencairn.
Cammy Haddow and Darren Jones grabbed the goals for the Farmer’s Boys that evening and can jump as high as second in the league with a win today, depending on results elsewhere.
In the Premier Division Arthurlie will hope to keep up their fine form in the top flight when they travel to Ayrshire to take on Cumnock Juniors. A win there could lift them as high as fourth in the table.
Meanwhile Renfrew will look to consolidate their position at the top of the Second Division when they travel south to take on Muirkirk Juniors at Burnside Park.
Jimmy Quigley’s side already sit four points clear of the chasing pack.
READ MORE:
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here
