Johnstone Burgh manager Jamie McKim hailed his side’s character as they responded to last weekend’s cup disappointment with a five-star performance against Rutherglen Glencairn on Saturday.

The Keanie Park outfit hit their league rivals for five without reply at Keanie Park as Thomas Cruden netted a hat-trick alongside strikes from Kieran Brophy and Brian Connor.

McKim blasted his side for their performance after their 4-1 defeat to Rossvale in the South Challenge Cup but admits Saturday was like watching a completely different team.

Speaking to Gazette Sport, he said: “I threw the toys out of the pram with the players a wee bit after last week and probably rightly so with what I got. I expect a lot more from them.

“We had a meeting at training on Tuesday to get a couple of home truths out there and set the standards again and reset.

“I was disgusted last week but on Saturday it was like watching a different team. We looked more solid defensively and going forward we were clinical. Nobody could argue with the result.

“The score line and the performance were great but the most pleasing thing for me was the attitude.

“The hunger and desire to win the game is all I want to see week in week out and if we do that, we have the tools and ability to beat anybody – it’s just a case of can we match it with the other side of it and if we can there’s no limit to what the group can do.”

Cruden stole the show with a hat-trick but there was plenty of praise for McKim’s other attacking threats as Aaron Millar teed up his strike partner for two of his strikes and Brophy scored a stunning lob.

McKim added: “Thomas and Aaron worked so hard and the only disappointing thing was Aaron never got a goal himself but he can be delighted with two assists.

“If I could have twenty players with the attitude Thomas has, I would be delighted. He works so hard and is so selfless. He’s been fantastic for us recently and got exactly what he deserved on Saturday.

“Kieran’s finish was incredible. There aren’t many players at this level that can do that. There was a wee bite back at me with his celebration as to why I didn’t start him but I don’t mind that, I want every player to want to play every game.”

Burgh travel to Robertson Park this weekend to take on Thorniewood United in another First Division clash. Kick-off is at 1.30pm.