NEILSTON get their Super League First campaign underway this Saturday with a home tie against Ardeer Thistle.

And boss Andy Whiteford insists his side are prepared for the what the league is set to throw at his newly promoted side.

The Farmer’s Boys boss has kept faith in the group of players that won the Central District First title last season and revealed he feels they have what it takes to succeed at the higher level.

He told Barrhead Sport: “I think it will be tough and we will need to up our game.

“Not only the players but the management and the committee will need to be on the ball throughout the season.

“But, we are looking to have a solid season which we can build upon — we aren’t looking to win the division and we need to be realistic but come around Christmas time the aim is to be in the top half of the table and looking safe.

“We know how difficult this league can be and it can be a cruel division with the four teams relegated at the end of the season.” Whiteford admitted he would love to take the club back up to the Super League Premier that they once frequented but stressed it was something of a long term project.

Last season’s promotion set ‘Ton on their way but Whiteford admitted there is still a lot of hard work to go if they are to achieve his goal.

He added: “Part one is done with us now back into the Super Leagues.

“We are looking at building stronger foundations, who knows but we may spend a few years building towards that before we progress, you just don’t know what is around the corner.”