Hardie, who caught the eye with a number of goals and impressive performances in last season’s Scottish Cup run, has decided to stick with the Burgh.

Super League winners Auchinleck Talbot, and their Ayrshire rivals Kilbirnie Ladeside, both expressed an interest in the striker — but Smith says he is going nowhere.

He said: “Preparations are going well but we had a scare last week with Jason Hardie.

“Auchinleck Talbot and Kilbirnie both came in for him and there was a slight worry there that he would decide to move on. Talbot contacted him before they spoke to us which was slightly disappointing but these things happen.

“He spoke to Kilbirnie but I don’t think he was too impressed with what they had to say and I’m delighted that he has chosen to stick with us.

“Jason had a great season for us last year and to be fair he deserves all the credit he gets. I’m just glad he is staying.” Burgh have now been in training for over a week, with a number of fitness sessions ar Bellahouston Park. With Smith set to jet off on his holidays, he admits he has been left impressed with the effort and workrate put in by his squad as they look to prepare for the upcoming campaign.

He added: “To give the boys credit not one of them has moaned or complained about anything. I think they are beginning to realise that it is all for their benefit once the season has got started.

“Their fitness came into play a lot last season and it paid off for them in the end of a few games.

“Because of that I think they understand why they are doing it.”