We’re ready to climb the table

Rutkiewicz targets Berwick

allowed Craig Thomson’s header to slip from his grasp and into the net, proved decisive but Rutkiewicz said: “Football games are decided by fine margins and we conceded a bad goal but we win, lose or draw as a team.

“They had large periods of possession in our half but there were a lot of positives and I felt we finished the game reasonably well. Credit goes to Edinburgh for managing the game and getting another clean sheet. They are organised and have guys who can head the ball and tackle.”

Stirling are only two points above bottom club Albion Rovers but Rutkiewicz believes they have the ability to start climbing the table in the coming weeks.

He added: “There was enough encouragement for me given that we can hopefully get bodies back. Darren Smith being back on the bench was a great boost for everyone and the three subs who came on all did well. Lee Hamilton might be a bit longer and we were also missing Peter MacDonald, Mark Stewart, Kyle Banner and Calum Ferrie, so it’s difficult but we have to find a way.

“If they give me that effort every week their ability will climb us up the league and then it’s up to me to make sure they buy into the information that we are giving them.”

Former Scotland defender Darren Barr was handed the captaincy on his return from injury but Rutkiewicz said: “It’s no reflection on Ross (McGeachie) and he was outstanding against Edinburgh – he is going to be a captain in every game, whether he is wearing an armband or not. I just had to make subtle changes to hopefully emphasise a freshness about everything here.”