JOHNSTONE Burgh have confirmed that Niall Herron will make the step up from vice-captain to skipper the team for the remainder of the season.

Scott Robson opted to leave Keanie Park for Brig O’Lea last week after accepting an offer from Championship side Neilston and their new management team of Derek Carson and Chris Cameron.

However, the departure of Robson, who only joined Burgh at the start of this year after a scholarship in America, has created an opportunity for Herron to be handed the captain’s armband.

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The 19-year-old has already shown leadership and maturity beyond his years in his role as vice-captain.

And Burgh boss Jamie McKim is confident that the move is a step in the right direction not only for Herron but for the club in general.

He said: “The decision to make Niall captain was unanimous among the coaching team. His qualities on and off the park made him an excellent candidate to replace Scott Robson and we are delighted he has accepted the responsibility.

The Gazette:

Scott Robson has departed to Neilston 

“He will represent the club in the best possible way and to his usual exemplary standards.”

McKim also thanked Robson, who departs Burgh after almost a year at the club.

He said: “Scott joined us in late January and made an almost instant impact on the team.

He helped steady the ship and was a terrific asset to us in his short spell at Keanie. We are keen to see him perform well in the Championship and we are happy to have received our asking price for the fee for him.

“We are keen to develop players to play at a high level, with the big success story Euan East at Queens Park. However, we want to make Burgh an attractive option for players to help build the club and take it back to the top of junior football, garnering the respect of the other clubs along the way.”

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Elsewhere, Burgh have announced the signing of Cameron Hayes on loan from Stirling Albion until the end of January, with McKim delighted to bolster his squad ahead of a hectic winter schedule.

He said: “When we were offered the opportunity to take Cammy on loan, we jumped at it. Already, he has shown he has a great deal of technical quality.”