Jimmy Boyle admits he has a 'soft spot' for Willie McLaren – but has vowed to work him hard this summer.

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The Airdrieonians boss offered the maverick winger a new one-year deal which he has since signed.

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Boyle thought carefully about whether or not to give the 28-year-old a fresh deal.

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However, his mind was made up when he recalled the magic he can conjure up, as shown when McLaren struck the winner in the 2-1 victory at Dunfermline Athletic on the final day of last season.

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"Willie's Willie," the manager laughed. "I have a soft spot for him. He came on against Dunfermline and produced. We know he can do that.

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"We will be working hard with him. We need to get him physically fitter and that's where he has let himself down.

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"I like Willie. He has some craft, in the Second Division, that can change a game.

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"He'll be one of the older players and he will have to help some of the younger boys in the team.

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"I think that will bring the best out in him. I think he needs a challenge.

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"Willie finds football dead easy. It comes naturally to him.

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"The one thing I will say about him is that he is a winner. He doesn't like getting beat and he has shown how upset he has been with the results. They hit both he and David Lilley hard."

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Boyle also wants to get the best out of former Hamilton Accies and Morton defender Grant Evans.

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The 23-year-old's first campaign at New Broomfield was disrupted by injury.

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"Grant was unfortunate last season," Boyle added. "He'd come from full-time to part-time football but had a lot of injuries.

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"There was a spell when he did kick on but he picked up another injury.

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"I know he likes this place and he wants to do well."