Jamie McKim has praised his Johnstone Burgh side after they hit the ground running in their early pre-season training sessions.

Reporting back at Keanie Park last week, McKim has revealed he was pleasantly surprised by his side’s fitness levels ahead of their first pre-season friendly this weekend against Troon.

READ MORE: Jamie McKim delighted at progress of Burgh revamp

“We’re actually looking very good,” McKim told Gazette Sport. “The boys are all in good nick. They all did really well to keep themselves ticking over during the summer.

"Some of the boys we’ve brought in from the amateurs haven’t had much of a break so they’ve all been able to stay sharp too - I’m really happy with what I’ve seen so far.

“We’ve got the boys in for four sessions a week right now - two midweek and two on a Saturday. One of the main things in pre-season is you want to be able to get the ball involved in those sessions as quickly as possible.

The Gazette: The Johnstone side have been flying during their pre-seasonThe Johnstone side have been flying during their pre-season

"The boys all coming back in good shape means we’ve been able to do that. I’m delighted to be able to focus more on the football side of things with the fitness taking care of itself.

“Everyone seems to be settling really well and gelling. They’ve all been getting to know each other during the sessions. It’s going really well. I’m making sure they’ve got time before and after the midweek training sessions and an hour lunch on Saturdays to help them bond which I believe is really important.

The Gazette: McKim happy with what he's so far in Burgh's pre-season prepMcKim happy with what he's so far in Burgh's pre-season prep

READ MORE: Burgh land key summer targets

“We’ve been playing a lot of bounce games too as getting that kind of chemistry is key. They’re getting to know each other’s habits early on is which is ideal for us.”

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