Elgin City manager Gavin Price has praised defender Darryl McHardy for drive he has shown to prepare for the new League Two campaign.
McHardy was stretchered off during City’s 4-1 friendly victory over Forres Mechanics on Tuesday, but despite initial fears he is believed to have suffered a sprained ankle and should be fit for the start of the season next month.
McHardy spent the latter part of last season on loan at Highland League side Rothes, after Price questioned the 25-year-old’s application after being handed the captain’s armband at Borough Briggs last summer.
Price has been thrilled with the way McHardy has responded to the challenge, revealing he reported back to pre-season training among the fittest members of Elgin’s squad.
Price said: “To this point he has responded excellently. If I could compare his fitness at this stage coming in at the start of pre-season to last season, it’s like night and day.
“He was up there with one of top marks in different fitness testing we did. I’m really pleased with that, and now it’s just about how he trains and applies himself.
“He has maybe had a look over what happened last season but there is absolutely no issue between us. I want Darryl to do well, he’s a good guy around the place and popular with the supporters.
“I just want the best for him, because if we get the best out of him it’s a benefit for Elgin City.
“Let’s move on from what happened last season and the fitness he has got himself to gives himself an excellent chance to have a good season.”
Price is confident McHardy can blossom for his hometown club in the years to come, having already racked up 215 appearances for the Black and Whites.
Price added: “Darryl is a good character and he just needs to keep his focus on football.
“He’s been a good player for years at this level of football. He should be at an age now where he’s got a bit of experience to go with his talent and the physical attributes he has.
“He should be approaching the best stage of his career. If he applies himself properly he will get the benefit of that, and we will get the benefit of that.
“I’m confident Darryl will.”