Largs Thistle manager Sandy MacLean believes supporters will see an even better Sean Lawrence this season after the stylish winger re-signed for the Barrfields club this week.

Sean played his last game for Largs in the famous Ashfield 2nd leg play-off clash in 2013, and the Thistle boss said that it is not a straight replacement for the outgoing Dylan McLaughlin, who left the club at the end of the season.

Sandy said: “Sean is the finished article whereas Dylan was a work in progress. We already know the standard that Sean can bring, He will hit the ground running, and very fast too. I am looking forward to working with him. I think he has matured. He went away and played with his local amateur team, but I think he will have realised in himself that he is better than that level and I think he will exude confidence now that he is back at Thistle.” The Thistle boss admitted that his club have a tough friendly programme, kicking off against Linlithgow Rose on Saturday June 19.

He said: “We will learn from these games. We will tinker with the squad and do a lot of work and see how the team plays best. I am really looking forward to these challenges coming up.” It will be an important warm-up with Thistle kicking off the season in the Ardagh Cup in August with two demanding opening fixtures at Beith and Kilbirnie.

“As usual, most teams use the Ardagh Cup for the very purpose of having really competitie games that allow plyaers to settle in. Our section is terrific, and if you lose the first two games, you have a mountain to climb, and Winton and Kilwinning have also made some good signings. If you win the first two games however, it is the very opposite. It is a cracking standard of opposition, and we won’t take anyone lightly in any of these matches.” Another player who is returning to Thistle who is catching the eye at training is striker Sean Pierce, brought in from Kilbirnie. Sandy said: “I don’t think Kilbirnie managed to see the best of Sean as he had a knee injury. He has impressed me greatly in training and has a lovely touch, and it will boost competition. We had also brought in James McDonald in midfield and he is strong on the ball and a good passer in midfield. I think he could well be a fan’s favourite.

“Young Alan Frizzel is another attacking option and he is big and strong. I am hoping that there is plenty of pace and goals in this squad, and we want to be very positive, so that fans can come and really enjoy the games.” * Largs Thistle FC host their AGM on Tuesday 15 July at the Willowbank Hotel in Greenock Road, Largs, starting at 7.30pm.