Clydebank manager Budgie McGhie has urged his side to be more clinical after draws against Premier Division sides Arthurlie and Carnoustie.

McGhie said while performances on the whole have been good during pre-season, the Bankies need to be putting away more chances if they are to get promoted.

And he admitted being unable to finish off teams was their one weakness last year.

He said: “The performances in the four games have been good and the last two games were against Premier League opposition in Arthurlie and Carnoustie, so I was pleased with the performances.

“But we need to start taking our chances – that’s the first lesson to be learned. When you look back at last year, one of the reasons we missed out on promotion was that we drew too many games compared to the likes of Cumnock and Kilwinning.

“And in the last two games against Arthurlie and Carnoustie when you look at the amount of chances created we really should have won them. We were on top but drew both.

“And although it’s a friendly the players need to start being a bit more clinical, start putting away chances when they’re on top.”

The manager revealed that midfielder Phil Barclay had been ruled out for over a month after going off injured against Arthurlie.

He added: “He’s damaged his medial ligament, so that leaves us a bit short in the middle of the park.

“I wouldn’t rule out signing injury cover, but we’ll see.

“It’s that stage where there aren’t many people available as most people have made their moves.

“But we’ll have a look at if there’s anyone worth bringing in – even if it is on a short-term basis.”

Budgie also used three academy players in the fixture away to Carnoustie Panmure, and said that he likes using these trips to help give the youngsters experience.

That included debuts for Jack Carson and Nathan Carmichael, who are currently a part of the Clydebank Under-19s side.

He said: “They got a run out in the last 20 minutes, and they did quite well.

“We had people away on holidays and things and they came in to bolster the squad up there.

“I think certainly if we were playing friendly games we’d take them.

“We’ve always done that and it’s good for their experience.

Clydebank have their first competitive game of the year against local rivals Yoker Athletic, before going on to play Glasgow Perthshire, Maryhill and Ashfield.