THE area's junior Old Firm are ready to make sure that they make an impact on the East Super League this season.

Kelty Hearts had a good run at trying to retain the title won by them in 2014-2015 and finished in the runners-up spot to Bonnyrigg Rose and player/boss Thomas Courts feels that he has a unit capable of doing equally as well if not better.

He has seen striker Calum Smith move Boness and defender Scott Gates have to take time out from the game due to work commitments while David Banjo has been released.

But the player/boss has brought in striker Jack Wilson from Thornton Hibs and link man Craig Thomson from Newtongrange Star while midfielder Neil (Cabey) McCabe is returning from a spell with East Stirling.

This week he described the Kelty squad as continuing to come of age and he feels that a good season lies ahead.

He said: "We made changes during the build up to last season and I think that the squad is developing well and is in many ways coming of age.

"I was delighted with the way we tackled trying to retain the title and we were in their challenging all season.

"I suppose the lack of impact in cup competitions was the only real disappointment."

He added: "I think we have the manpower to have a real go at trying to win the title back but I know full well that clubs such as Bonnyrigg, Linlithgow and Boness will also have that in their minds.

"Having the Haws and Dundonald Bluebell in the same division gives the addition of four derby matches with the added spice they provide.

"I would also like to think we can have a real go at winning either the Fife and Lothians or East of Scotland competitions and also have a good long run in the Scottish Junior Cup."

TIMES PREDICTION: Hearts to be up their challenging for the Super League title and look out for a long run in the 'Scottish'.