JOHNSTONE Burgh manager Jamie McKim is expecting big things from new arrival Phil Lee after snapping up the talented winger.

Lee has impressed McKim during the Keanie Park club’s pre-season preparations, with a first half hat-trick in a friendly win against Ashfield a real highlight.

And the Burgh boss is confident the former Gartcairn Under-21s ace will be a handful for any defence he faces once the competitive action gets underway.

McKim told Gazette Sport: “Phil has done really well and I’m excited to be working with him.

“He’s an exciting player – a direct winger who picks the ball up and carries it and isolates defenders and gets one-on-one with them.

“He scored a hat-trick against Ashfield and you’ve not got much choice but to sign him after that. He looks really creative as well, so he’s one who, going forward, I’m sure will make a big impact.”

McKim is also delighted that last season’s top scorer Jason Hardie has agreed to stay at Burgh, despite having options to move elsewhere.

He expects Hardie to have a big influence off the pitch as well as on it.

“With Jason coming back in, he does what it says on the tin,” added McKim, who was boosted by a 3-1 friendly win for his team at Drumchapel United on Saturday.

“He was the top goalscorer last year and the players know what they’re getting with him.

“Jason had loads of options on the table and that comes with being a goalscorer at this level. Everyone is looking for a goalscorer.

“We’re delighted he has decided to come back to us and he sees us as a good option, rather than the other teams that were after him.

“He’s a big player for us and a big personality in the changing room.”

Meanwhile, Darren Wilson and Paul McCallum have left Burgh, with McKim paying tribute to the duo for their service over the years.

He added: “Darren and Paul have been very loyal to me over the last two years, so I’m sad to see them go because they’ve been great servants to the club but it’s a case of there’s a lot more competition for places.”