Mackay, 23, was snapped up by boss Robert Downs following a spell at Central District First side Vale of Clyde. He revealed he turned down offers from both Kilbirnie Ladeside and Shotts Bon Accord in order to sign up at Dunterlie — and following his first goal for the club on Saturday, he is raring to go in the blue and white of Lie.

Mackay told Barrhead Sport: “I had offers from elsewhere but as soon as Arthurlie came in it was always going to be my favoured choice as I know a lot of the people here.

“It has been good so far, it is a great squad of players and everything has been going well. Getting a goal on Saturday was brilliant and I’m aiming to kick on from there.

“Even though I’m a left back I like to get as many goals as I can and it will be something that I aim to add to over the course of the season.

“I’m really looking forward to getting the season going and playing in the Super League again.” Despite his age, Mackay has a wealth of experience from playing in the juniors. Spells at Vale of Clyde, Cumbernauld United, Ashfield and Rutherglen Glencairn proceed his move to Barrhead, and the full-back aims to draw upon that experience to help Arthurlie up the table.

He admits it is a step up from what he has been used to but has no qualms about returning to the top flight.

He added: “Obviously it is a massive step up from what I was playing last year but that doesn’t scare me at all.

“I’m comfortable and confident in my own ability and believe I’ll be fine and play well.

“The boys are looking to go better than they did last season and I believe this group is very capable of having a successful season.”