LEGENDARY Beith Juniors striker Kenny McLean has paid tribute to the Garnock Valley club after being honoured with a testimonial at Bellsdale Park on Saturday.

And coach Derek Rhoddan is hoping the fans' favourite will be back playing for "The Mighty" by the turn of the year as he continues to recover from a cruciate ligament injury which saw him miss a sizeable part of last season.

McLean, who selected two teams for the game, featuring legends and current stars, was presented with a glass engraved trophy from the club, along with a silver salver from the Mighty Supporters' Club and a framed montage of photos from club photographer Steven Kerr.

The target man said: "Thanks to the club who have looked after me so well for the last 10 years. I have played with a great bunch of boys and overall it has been amazing, it has flown in."

Rhoddan said: "Kenny has had a good goals tally every season. He has won the top honours in the game - including the Scottish Cup, the Premier Division, the League Cup and the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup. He is so passionate and is not afraid to speak his mind, even to his team-mates. Kenny is a great professional. We plan a golf outing for him soon.

"He is recovering and I hope he will be back running in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully we will see him playing by the turn of the year, maybe by January."

Meanwhile, former Ardrossan Winton Rovers skipper and striker Ryan Caddis has left the club to take up a coaching post with Onthank Amateurs, while his brother Dylan, a goalkeeper has left the club.

Manager Sandy MacLean said: "We wish Ryan well, this is a good opportunity for him and we won't stand in his way. Dylan didn't turn up for training and said he wanted to leave. We only want people who are interested in playing for the club."

MacLean is encouraged with fitness levels as his side get their pre-season campaign under way with a game against Onthank at Kilwinning Sports Club tonight (Wednesday). Kick-off is at 7pm.

He said: "The guys have been working hard and we are preparing well. We will use the friendlies to work on our fitness."

Winton face high-flying Kirkintilloch Rob Roy in a glamour friendly on Saturday at Winton Park, ko 2.30pm. Fans are invited to attend a barbecue after the match and meet MacLean and his management team.

The boss said: "This will be a good test to see how we are progressing. Rob Roy came close to winning the Premier Division last season so it will be a good test for us."