Renfrew manager Jimmy Quigley admits he couldn’t believe that Jojo Gillespie was available as he finally got his hands on his man.

The New Western Park boss brought in the former St Mirren and Celtic kid from Johnstone Burgh last week to bolster his attacking options ahead of the second half of the season.

Gillespie has been an ever-present at Keanie Park in recent seasons as they stormed through the divisions and was the club’s Players’ Player of the Year and top goalscorer in the 2021/22 season.

He also had six goals for Burgh this season and Quigley revealed he was quick to make his move after learning of his availability. 

Speaking to Gazette Sport, he said: “Jojo is a really good player and someone we’ve had our eye on for a while, but he has been at the Burgh for the last couple of years. 

“As soon as he became available, we made contact with them and asked to speak to him. 

“I didn’t see any way at all of getting a hold of him, especially with the investments they have made, but he wants to play football so it’s worked out well for all parties.

“He gives another attacking option up front and hopefully he can hit the ground running. I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“We’ve got a few goalscorers in the team now and a few guys who can supply the ammo so we’re just looking to kick on.”

Renfrew return to action this weekend – after a narrow 1-0 defeat to promotion contenders Petershill in their last outing – when they host Rutherglen Glencairn.

Glen’s also find themselves in the promotion spots, with games in hand, but Quigley wants his side to take confidence from the last time they met – a 2-0 defeat at the start of the season.

He added: “Last week we didn’t perform to the levels that we know we can in the first half and lost a poor goal and then in the second half we were back to our normal levels and unlucky not to take something out of the game.

“Petershill are a good side and sitting top of the league so it gives us a bit of a confidence to play as well as we did against them. 

“Having played Rutherglen already the boys won’t have any fear heading into the game but they are on a good run of form across the league and cup competitions so we need to make sure we are at our maximum if we want to get anything from it.”

Kick-off at NWP on Saturday is at 1.30pm.