McKim’s upbeat

Jamie McKim believes Johnstone Burgh can still enjoy a successful season.

Burgh welcome Rutherglen Glencairn to Keanie Park today in the West of Scotland League First Division.

And three points is the priority after back-to-back league defeats to Kilbirnie Ladeside and Drumchapel United in recent weeks.

Boss McKim, pictured, said: “It will be tough as always – particularly when you are on a poor wee run like we are at the moment.

“It’s about not letting a couple of defeats affect your head and we are still in a position, for me, where we can be successful on a couple of fronts.”

Elsewhere in the First Division today, rock-bottom Neilston host Kilwinning Rangers while Renfrew welcome Maybole.

Arthurlie face Gartcairn in the Premier Division.

In the Fourth Division, Glenvale host Lugar Boswell Thistle while Thorn Athletic take on Easterhouse FA and St Peters go on the road to Campbeltown Pupils.

Stephen Robinson insists St Mirren’s strength in depth could see two Buddies teams compete in the Premiership.

The Saints gaffer has quality and quantity going into the business end of the season.

The Paisley outfit are fourth in the table and closing in on back-to-back top-six finishes with a potential crack at European football on the cards.

Robbo will need everyone to stand up and be counted – with the comebacks against Ross County and Aberdeen proving that point.

Against the Staggies, the substitute trio of Jonah Ayunga, Keanu Baccus and Toyosi Olusanya combined to rescue a 1-1 draw in Dingwall thanks to the latter’s late goal.

And last weekend, Olusanya climbed off the bench and won the penalty converted by fellow sub Mark O’Hara before another replacement, Conor McMenamin, put in the cross which led to Olusanya sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Aberdeen.

“The substitutes have made a big difference but we have quality on the bench,” Robbo said.

“We are using that at the right times and we are getting rewards.

“It worked at Ross County and it worked against Aberdeen.

“But we do 11 v 11 in training and I look at the so-called ‘reserve’ side and think, ‘They could compete in the Premiership’.

“It’s testament to the recruitment team and how hard everyone is working to push us forward.”

Meanwhile, more than 1,500 tickets have been sold for the away end at Rugby Park next Saturday when St Mirren travel to face Kilmarnock in a crunch Premiership clash.