McKim’s glad Jonny’s loan has been extended
Burgh boss lauds Neilston loanee McStay’s contribution
Johnstone Burgh boss Jamie McKim is delighted to have extended the loan deal of midfielder Jonny McStay.
McStay will remain with the Burgh for a further month after McKim sealed a deal with Neilston to prolong his stay.
The midfielder originally left Keanie Park in the summer to sign a permanent deal with the Farmer’s Boys. But, having found his game time limited, he rejoined the side on a loan deal.
The recent weather has seen McStay only turn out on a couple of occasions, but McKim admits he is excited by the prospect of keeping the player that bit longer.
He told Express Sport : “Jonny is a player that excites me and he is just what we need right now.
“He has that drive and creativity about him and can make opportunities out of nothing.
“It might only be for another few weeks but he could be a big player for us in that time.
“He is a good type and has really bought into what it is we are trying to do here.
“I’m hoping that it is something that we could maybe look to extend even further. But as it stands he is Neilston’s player and it is up to them.”
Burgh are scheduled to be back in action this afternoon when they travel to take on Newmains in the Central District Second Division.
Last week’s weather means that there is still a question mark over whether or not the game will go ahead at 2pm, but McKim revealed that signs from the hosts appear to be positive.
Having been in the dugout for two games now, McKim is keen to extend his unbeaten start to three games.
And having managed to cram in some training this week, he says that his players are in good shape.
He added: “The boys have been fantastic and although the conditions haven’t been great they have worked their socks off yet again.
“Maybe having had that extra break will have helped us. It has allowed the boys a little more time to gel and also to go other what it is that we are trying to implement on a match day.
“So far they have been magnificent and everything has been really positive.”
Meanwhile, McKim has continued to bolster the ranks. In addition to extending McStay’s deal, the Burgh boss has welcomed Nathan Brown, Darren Kennedy, Jordan Keenan and David McCallum to the squad.
Kennedy and McCallum have both penned dual contracts from the club’s successful Under-21s side, while Brown ranks Stranraer, Queen’s Park and Stirling University among his former sides.
E l s e w h e re, Dav i d McSorley, who was signed for the juniors, has agreed a dual contract so he too can play for the 21s.
McKi m insists a relationship with Joe Beith and John Sherry’s side is something is keen to build upon.
He said: “It is something that we really need to look at.
“There are some great players playing for them, and Joe has been different class since I’ve come in.
“It is all about helping one another and right now all the coaches at the club look to be pulling in the same direction.”