THERE has been no shortage of footballers wondering what participation in the West of Scotland Football League (WOSFL) will mean this coming season, however no such dilemma exists in the head of Rutherglen Glencairn front man Jay McKay when posed with the same question.

But, not many players in the newly formed set-up have been looking forward to the action finally getting underway more than the 30-year-old. Now entering his fifth season with the Ru’Glonians following somewhat short-lived spells on the books of Rossvale, Bellshill Athletic and notably St Anthonys where his “buzzbomb” playing style first caught the eye after stepping up from Broomhouse Amateurs.

And McKay has revealed that after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament injury during an early September game away to Troon last season, he has waited many months to become a thorn in defenders’ sides once more.

He recalled: “A clash with their goalkeeper Scott Johnstone has sent me tumbling and the knee felt sore, but I was my own worst enemy in trying to play on and I’ve then taken another heavy challenge which has forced me off.

“It was only our sixth league game into the season, but little did I know it was going to be my last even after a hospital examination revealed the full extent of the damage.

“The passing weeks and months were soul-destroying in watching from the sidelines without being able to play. However the gaffer {Willie Harvey} was absolutely brilliant with me from day one and I will forever be indebted to him.”

His deep sense of loyalty ensured McKay didn’t hesitate to put pen to paper on a new Glens playing contract despite a summer exodus that saw team mates Jordan Leyden, Dale Simeon Gary Smith, Stevie Kerr, Kris Gebbie and Rhys Donaldson renew acquaintances with ex-Glencairn coach George Fotheringham at Arthurlie along with Craig McGregor moving to Petershill.

Ironically, both Arthurlie and Petershill have withdrawn from the WOSFL causing versatile defender McGregor to return to his former club’s ranks on loan while the six strong Arthurlie contingent are allegedly on the verge of joining Gartcairn.

“I’m glad Craig is back on board because he and I have played together in the same team since our school days,” admitted McKay who works for a Rutherglen based paint supplier.

“However, there’s no denying the other guys will be a big loss, particularly Dale and Jordan who between them scored around 35 goals from midfield last season.

“Dale was on the signing radar of a host of clubs but the lure of playing under George again was a big attraction to him and the other guys so good luck to them until we ever meet as opponents.

”It’s probably true to say we have lost some outstanding individuals however the team is definitely looking a better unit now.”

Long in the tooth Glens boss Harvey has wasted no time in unearthing replacements in the shape of burly stopper Mick O’Byrne, Scott Somerville, Kieron Maxwell, Rikki McIntosh, Keirin Coleman, and the former Rossvale trio of Gary Giffin, Jackson Biggar along with ex-Glencairn striker Del McNab.

McKay continued: “Del has returned after spells with both Arthurlie and Rossvale where he regularly scored goals and he is more confident and a better player now, so I’m hoping we can strike up a partnership.

“But just holding down a jersey is not a given when we have other strikers such as McIntosh, Liam Gormley, and the former Irvine Meadow signing Kieran Smith as well as Keiran Hannoway who has stepped up from our under-21s.

“There’s going to be strong competition and all I can ask is to be at the top of my game and see if it gets me the nod.

“I don’t think it will be long before midfielder Michael Loan is making the headlines because he has looked an outstanding prospect in our friendly matches up to now.

“I always believed Harry Mitchell was the best player I’d seen coming through the under-21 ranks but Michael is shaping up as even better and I’m looking forward to seeing the two of them playing competitively.”

Glencairn’s start to the season suffered a false dawn last Saturday when their Soccershop Challenge Cup meeting away to Thornton Hibs was cancelled by a waterlogged pitch. McKay is desperate to don the boots against Largs Thistle in this week’s first home league game.

He admitted: “I only managed a handful of games last season so it will be good to get back out there and hopefully start repaying the manager. I feel fine despite probably needing a few 90-minute outings under my belt.

“It’s most likely been no bad thing because I’m not the patient sort and have probably been overdoing things in my desire to get back playing as quick as possible, so breaking me in gently has helped.

“There were times when I feared never making a comeback so the first blast of the referee’s whistle against Largs cannot come soon enough.”