TAM O'WARE is urging his Kelty Hearts team-mates to meet the "standards" they have set them they kick off their League One campaign this Saturday.

The New Central Park outfit travel to Montrose smarting from a Premier Sports Cup thumping at Championship Queen's Park on Saturday, which confirmed their exit from the competition.

The six-goal loss at Lesser Hampden came after they were beaten at home by Peterhead, of League Two, last midweek, which followed a draw at their fellow fourth-tier side, Elgin City, and a famous win over top flight Hibernian.

Speaking to Times Sport following the home game with the Blue Toon, captain and centre back O'Ware commented: "We understand that we do have standards, whether it be part-time or not.

"We've got standards as a group. Whether there is full-time teams in the league, we did well against them last year, so everything just needs ironed out before the league starts.

"It's a really hard game away to Montrose. It's going to be tough, so we need to make sure we're ready for that.

"You're going to have a lot of moments like this during the season. Our job is to try and minimise them and capitalise on the games that we do have good moments in.

Tam O'Ware is anticipating a tough test at Montrose on Saturday.Tam O'Ware is anticipating a tough test at Montrose on Saturday. (Image: David Wardle.)

"Ultimately, in-house, we want to see where we are come March, April, and if we're in a good position, can we maintain that towards the end of the season and hopefully make a push.

"Again, we'll go week to week just now, and see where we are as a squad.

"We had a good run towards the end of last year. It's a lot younger squad I'd say this year, but we need to gel a wee bit more and get used to each other."

Last term, a win for Stewart Petrie's Gable Endies at Kelty, on the penultimate weekend of the season, saw them clinch the final promotion play-off slot, ending the hopes of Tidser's team.

Forward Craig Johnston, who signed for his home team from Montrose last summer, added: "We got a good start last year so we'll hopefully be looking to do the same this year.

Craig Johnston is hoping Kelty can build on last season's showing in League One.Craig Johnston is hoping Kelty can build on last season's showing in League One. (Image: David Wardle.)

"We got it down to the second last game, but you want to be there or thereabouts. If we can progress on our position last year, try and finish higher, try and finish in the play-offs, then that's what we're looking for."