Kelty Hearts player / manager Michael Tidser has urged two of his younger stars to maintain their performance levels as they continue to learn in a first team environment.

Luke McCarvel and Connor Allan have made an impressive impact since arriving at New Central Park, and Tidser has vowed to help guide them and aid their development.

In the summer, McCarvel, 20, was signed from Lowland League outfit, Cumbernauld Colts, and, prior to Saturday's match at Annan Athletic, had made 14 appearances for the 'Maroon Machine'.

Fellow midfielder Allan, also aged 20, agreed a season-long loan deal from Rangers in September, and had featured on seven occasions prior to the trip to Galabank.

Tidser, who is an influential figure in the middle of the park, has been pleased with their impact, commenting: "Connor is a young lad coming out of academy football.

"With the greatest respect - and I was in an academy for years - I don't think it's real football. They might not admit it but that's my opinion on it.

"I think when you get out at any level, whether it's Lowland League, League Two, League One, Championship, you go and learn the game.

"You go and learn what it's like to fight and bite and scratch for three points, as well as bringing that quality.

"It's up to him now to keep his performances high because there's no doubt he's got ability. It's just about maintaining that standard and I'll help him and guide him along the way, same as Luke McCarvel.

"Pound for pound, for me individually in this league, he's different.

"He goes by players, he's electric, he can take it on the half turn, but he's still got another couple of levels to go, and it's up to us just to manage him and help him find his feet again because, at the start of the season he was flying. He had his dip with his hamstring and now he's back now."