JOHNSTONE Burgh boss Jamie McKim was delighted to welcome back some key players in Saturday’s friendly against Lowland League outfit Broomhill.

The Keanie Park team had been due to face Maryhill in a rearranged Conference A fixture in the West of Scotland Football League but it was called off.

Instead, Burgh took on Broomhill in a bounce game with the aim of keeping their momentum going after picking up six wins in their last seven league games.

And, although the match ended in a 2-0 defeat, McKim was happy to see some of his injured stars get back on the pitch and stake their claim for a place in competitive games again as the ‘business end’ of the season approaches.

He told Gazette Sport: “When we went to Whitletts the previous week, we had six boys on our bench who started the season with the development team, which showed the extent of the injuries and squad issues we have had.

“On Saturday, we were able to welcome four or five players back and get them some time on the park. Whether it was half an hour, 45 minutes or an hour, it was good to get some minutes in everybody’s legs.

“It wasn’t about the result, it was all about the performance and keeping things going. It was well worthwhile.”

McKim was impressed by what Broomhill had to offer and is sure the game will stand his players in good stead for the rest of the league campaign.

“Broomhill are a good side,” he said. “They knock the ball about well, coming from the Lowland League, where most of the pitches are astroturf. It was good for us in terms of working on our shape.

“We’re used to Keanie Park being bobbly and, when you get the ball, you don’t get the chance to keep it for a long time.

“A couple of our attacking players were still missing and I would have expected it to be a lot closer if it was a competitive game.

“Friendlies aren’t too important in terms of the result, what’s more important is the last six or seven games of the season and being as prepared as we can be for those.”

Burgh return to league action this Saturday, when they host Muirkirk at Keanie Park.

McKim added: “Every one of our remaining games is a ‘must win.’ We need to go and be positive, especially at home.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 2pm.