Losses to Troon and Arthurlie may have dampened the spirit slightly but Satuday’s victory over Dalbeattie Star has lightened the mood ahead of yet more friendlies this week.

The Keanie Park gaffer stresses no one should read too much into results at this stage, and insisted he has seen many positives in all three ties.

Smith told Gazette Sport: “To be honest I think we have played all right. You can’t expect too much from the guys when they are facing opposition two leagues above them but I think they gave a good account of themselves against both Troon and Arthurlie.

“These games are all about fitness and assessing where we are — there have been positives to take from all the games and I think we are looking quite good.

“This is a side that has been built for the Central First and by our showings so far I think we are more than capable of being able to compete.” With the only addition so far being keeper Gavin Wallace from Alba Thistle, recent matches have been used to cast an eye over a trio of trialists.

Smith admits that no decision has yet been made on any of them but that he is on the lookout for a new striker to play alongside Jason Hardie.

One avenue Burgh may go down is the loan system. The Johnstone side used it to their advantage last campaign when they brought in both Alan Muir and Paddy Doherty from Arthurlie at various points of the season. And the manager revealed he would be open to borrowing players from their Barrhead neighbours once again.

He added: “I spoke to Arthurlie assistant Stevie Aitchison after the game and told him about how we took Muiry and Paddy last season and how it worked out well for both parties.

“These contacts can be crucial and we learned very quickly last year that loaning players can be a positive. Either way we would like to add another striker to the squad, but that is not to say we will start the season with the current crop of guys.

“We are happy with what we have and anybody coming in would have to improve the situation.”